Individualisten zwischen Tradition und Selbstverwirklichung: Öko-Pioniere im sozialen Wandel

Abstract

Alternative way of live, self-determination and autonomy were key words characterising organic oriented farmers in the past. It seems that such values were part of organic pioneers’ personal identity at a time when organic farming was not well accepted in politics and society. However, what can we learn from these pioneers’ experiences and their particular ways of interpreting social life, overcoming critical life phases and farm development? Based on the theories of social change and social movements 13 semi-structured interviews with farmers practising organic-farming over a period of approximately 30 years were conducted. The autobiographical reports reveal that the willingness to create something new, perseverance and stress tolerance are among the characteristics, which stimulated and orientated the pioneers’ behaviour. These characteristics are still required within the current “bio-boom” because of the need for continued development in this sector