Approche de la viabilité économique du maraichage biologique sur petite surface : Analyse de dix maraichers dans l'est de la province de Liège

Abstract

Small-scale organic market gardening is challenging the conventional agricultural system by pursuing social and environmental objectives, placing the human and nature at the heart of their projects, rather than the market logic of profit maximisation that has been showing its limits for decades. However, the economic viability of those market gardeners remains problematic as they often face a significant workload, low to inexistant remuneration and financial hardship. But we need small local producers to achieve the reterritorialization of food production, that is crucial to building more resilient food networks and food security. The objective of this thesis is therefore to understand how the economic viability of small-scale market gardeners can be improved. Its main contribution is to present multiple strategies that can improve the economic viability of small-scale market gardeners. To answer the research question “How to improve the economic viability of small-scale organic market gardening?”, this study builds on an extensive review of the existing literature to create an interview guide that was used to collect data from ten market gardeners. The multiple strategies were developed through the analysis of the interviews and accounting documents collected from market gardeners. This study aims to serve as a toolbox for market gardeners as it identifies multiple strategies to foster their economic viability. Further, it also points out the need for increased financial and political support from authorities. Finally, this thesis lays the ground for further research as it contributes to the existing literature by providing a holistic analysis of the economic viability of small-scale market gardeners and a mind map presenting several strategies that can be implemented.