Abstract
The roles and survival of small farms are much debated, and their operators are not well understood. This exploratory study examines the perceptions of Texas small producers using a sample of mostly first- generation farmers who consider agriculture their primary occupation and who use sustainable practices. Semistructured interviews revealed six prominent themes related to small-farmers’ success, challenges, and visions for the future. Of these, personal fulfillment, importance of community, and adaptability and versatility were the prominent themes regarding success. In terms of challenges, small producers felt they were at a disadvantage compared to larger farms. Participants expressed a desire for a more sustainable, equitable agriculture, and emphasized a desire for policymakers and consumers to recognize the value of small farms. We conclude that small farm success is multifaceted and first-generation, that other underserved producers face considerable hardships with land and capital acquisition, and community and governmental support are vital to the continuation of small farms.
Recommended Citation
Tritsch, Katie, Ken Mix, Michelle Edwards, and Manuel Piña. 2024. "Perceptions of Texas Small-Scale Producers on Success, Challenges, and the Future of Agriculture." Journal of Rural Social Sciences, 39(1): Article 5. Available at: https://open.clemson.edu/jrss/vol39/iss1/5
