Stakeholder perceptions of the European Green Deal in Sicilian agriculture: a Q-methodology analysis of policy acceptance and implementation challenges

Purpose Since the European Green Deal places agriculture at the centre of the EU's green transition, this study aims to understand agricultural stakeholders' interpretations of its objectives and implementation challenges. In particular, the study investigates these perceptions within Sicily, a Mediterranean region that reflects many climate-vulnerable agricultural contexts across Europe. Design/methodology/approach Using Q-methodology, the study captures the subjective viewpoints of farmers, technical experts, researchers and policy actors regarding the feasibility, usefulness and cultural compatibility of European Green Deal measures. This mixed-methods approach allows the identification of shared patterns of thought that traditional surveys typically overlook. Findings Three distinct perspectives emerge: Technological Optimists, Pragmatic Critics and Environmental Realists. Results challenge assumptions of uniform resistance among farmers, showing that criticism is often procedural rather than ideological. Stakeholders' interpretations reveal that European Green Deal concepts have been socially anchored, forming stable systems of meaning that shape acceptance and perceived feasibility. Practical implications The findings highlight the need for territorially sensitive governance, clearer communication, and policy simplification to support effective European Green Deal implementation, especially in the context of post-2027 CAP reforms. Originality/value This study makes a significant contribution to understanding how stakeholders perceive the European Green Deal in agriculture. By focusing on meaning-making processes rather than attitudes alone, it offers nuanced insights into why stakeholders support or contest sustainability policies, bringing essential knowledge for designing more inclusive and effective food-system transitions.