Crowdfunding of Organic Farming

Open online seminar with Jens Abildtrup, Fellow at French National Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment (INRAE).

Despite national and European targets to expand organic farming (OF), growth remains limited in France. This study investigates crowdfunding as an alternative financing mechanism to support farmers’ conversion to and maintenance of OF.

A survey of French consumers (N=2000), including three related discrete choice experiments, reveals significant willingness to contribute, both financially (through donations and loans) and through labor.

Participation is influenced by socio-economic and behavioral factors. As expected, organic consumers—as well as individuals following specific dietary regimes (e.g. vegetarians, vegans)—show greater engagement. Project characteristics such as location and the presence of a counterparty are particularly valued.

The seminar will provide an introduction to organic farming in France, including examples of companies and NGOs organizing crowdfunding for agriculture. In addition to presenting the survey results, it will also discuss the application of choice experiments with multiple payment vehicles.

How to participate

The seminar is open to all.
The seminar will take place online via Zoom: