The Impact of Non-Agricultural Management Experience on Eco-Friendly Practices in Chinese Family Farms

Encouraging and supporting family farms to embrace eco-friendly agricultural production methods can have a significant positive impact on sustainable agricultural development. This study analyzes data from 433 family farms across five Chinese provinces (Zhejiang, Anhui, Shandong, Hunan, and Sichuan) in 2022. Using an econometric model, it examines how non-agricultural management experience influences the adoption of specific eco-friendly practices within family farms. The results highlight the significance of off-farm management experience for farmers in determining the extent to which organic fertilizers are employed on family-owned farms. The role of farmers’ green cognition in mediating this relationship is shown to be partial. Additionally, other variables such as gender, educational level, years of farming experience, scale of land management, demonstration farm status, and agricultural insurance ownership can impact the use of organic fertilizers on family farms. In order to promote the application of organic fertilizers on family farms, it is crucial to support individuals with non-agricultural management experience in managing family farms, continually promote awareness of environmentally friendly practices, and optimize the resource allocation of family farms.