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Written by Carolyn Ditchfield
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Wednesday, 08 April 2009 12:25 |
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Extract from Organic Advantage Ed. 119 (BFA e-newsletter) April 2009
Research being
conducted in North Qld could help Australia better understand the complex
dynamics of farming families.
PHD student Connar McShane from
James Cook University in Townsville is investigating the part relationships have
to play in rural businesses.
She says the study will help develop
measures to evaluate the role of immediate and extended families in a farming
business context; and may help clarify how everyday challenges can be overcome.
With no conclusive results as yet (studies are set to continue
for the next 18 months), Connar
says some interesting trends have been observed after interviewing predominantly
Qld based farmers. (The study
will extend nationally this year).
''Farmers operate under a
unique family business structure that is not seen in any other organisational
structure.
''Very often
farming family members operate in dual roles at home, or in the business. This
means they are also forced to deal with stress in a unique way - for example, it is very difficult
for problems at work to stay at work, or home problems to stay at home.''
She says based
on observation alone, there appear to be many benefits to a business based on a
family foundation.
''Including 'knowing exactly how other
people in the business like things done', a high motivation to achieve, and
passing on knowledge to children,'' she says.
But she says
issues revolving around the farm are likely to take precedence over family time.
''It would
appear business problems do get 'top priority' - though many farmers
see this time spent away from the home front as an investment in the farm for
the next generation.''
She says interestingly,
the issues that affect farmers and their families could be noticeably different
for families who farm organically.
''A conventional farmer at the moment
is worried about the price of fertilisers predominantly; and the increased
operational costs that entails.
''In Qld, farmers are also
concerned about the effects government policies like the 'Reef Rescue Plan' (designed to minimise farm
and other chemical residue runoff into the Great Barrier Reef); or a Carbon Emissions
Trading Scheme could have on them.
''But when I spoke to an organic
farmer, the same issues weren't as relevant. They
don't have fertiliser
prices to think about, obviously, and they approach issues from a different
angle.''
She
says the last organic farmer interviewed - ''a small producer'' - was more concerned with having
organic farming methods recognised in the wider farming community.
''For him, the issue was
still about acceptance to some degree. His concerns were related to the damage
chemicals were doing to the land, and a desire to have organic farm techniques
more commonly taken up as a solution.
''Time away from his family
was more focused on learning more about organic production methods - attending courses and
seminars; trialling
growing methods and so on.''
She says producers in any
industry interested in learning more, or getting involved in the study, are
encouraged to get in touch.
''The more farmers on board,
the better!
''There has been limited
research conducted of this type
(on farming families)
which is Australian focused, and we'd like it to be relevant
to as broad a geographic range of people as possible,'' she
says.
To get involved or f or more
information contact Connar McShane
E:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Ph: (07)
4781 6022
Mobile: 0419 714 077
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