Phasing out glyphosate in orchards: what matters to farmers when adapting in-row weed management practices?

Glyphosate withdrawal is a significant issue in many European countries. Yet, stopping glyphosate use is difficult and still uncommon on commercial farms. Understanding the practices of farmers who have successfully reduced pesticide use has proven to be an effective method to produce action-oriented knowledge to support pesticide reduction. This study aims to produce agronomic knowledge that characterizes what matters to farmers in the selection and adaptation of in-row weed management practices in orchards to inform the formulation of technical recommendations for glyphosate-free orchards. Using a farmers’ practices tracking approach, we uncovered practices developed in 27 different cropping systems by French fruit growers who stopped using glyphosate. We then analysed the rationale of these practices from the farmer’s perspective, using the action logic framework. Our study shows that the interviewed farmers implemented an array of weed management practices, steered by individual satisfaction criteria, and framed by specific features of the orchard, the farm resources and its local environment. These practices were shaped over time, following a step-by-step evolution of the farmer’s action logic. From the cross-analysis of these various farmers’ experiences, we formulated four types of action logics and their specific conditions for success, which could serve as a basis for formulating technical advice better aligned with farmers’ expectations and situations. Comparing the key components of the farmers’ rationale with available technical recommendations for glyphosate-free orchards, we discuss the weaknesses of the most common formulations of technical advice. • Successful glyphosate-free weed management practices in orchard rows are rare • Change in weed management practices results from a systemic rationale • Practices are tailored to farmers satisfaction criteria and orchard features • Future advice should be inspired by farmers’ action logics