Nature's values, drivers and perceived influence on ecosystem services shape agroecological livestock farming in the Netherlands

Abstract The environmental benefits of agroecological farm management have been demonstrated, but its uptake is still lagging. Understanding how specific practices relate to drivers and ecosystem services (ES), and what values of nature underlie those factors can be useful in understanding what type of practices are preferred by farmers under which specific conditions. We studied the management strategies of agroecological livestock (dairy and beef) farmers on sandy soil in the Netherlands. To analyse the relationships between practices, types of drivers and perceived effects on ES, we interviewed 17 large‐scale agroecological farmers and constructed fuzzy cognitive maps (FCMs). Graph theory statistics were used to identify key clusters and factors in the farm system. We used the IPBES values of nature framework to identify underlying values of drivers. The results revealed two major clusters: social and economic factors drive practices such as direct sale, exchanging knowledge, involvement in organizations and diversification. Stewardship of natural resources, resource autonomy, and decreasing human and financial capital drive the uptake of agronomic practices in the agroecological system. Instrumental and relational values were at the basis of the identified drivers, indicating both shallow and deep leverage points for transition, respectively. Farmers identified ES with direct benefits as a result of their management, such as soil quality, animal health and water availability. Broader societal ES, like climate change mitigation and water quality, were acknowledged less. Practices associated with relational values are more likely to be sustained through time. Strengthening farmers' relational connection to nature and fostering a sense of stewardship requires greater awareness of the broader positive and negative environmental impacts of their actions. Additionally, further research into the economic dimensions of applying agroecology is recommended, considering the varied influence of human and financial capital to address rising production costs and declining labour availability in agriculture. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.