How will Europe's urban-rural balance shift in years to come?In times of uncertainty, when tomorrow may not look like today, how can researchers and decision-makers best explore future relationships and dynamics between regions?In addition, how can such speculations be related back to pressing questions in the here and now?In this Research Hack, we share our experiences using scenario planning to explore the future of regional development in Europe, and answer the question: why are serious researchers spending time dreaming of futures which may never happen?Can we re-IMAJINE territorial inequality?

10.1080/13673882.2021.00001105

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The Future Dreams of Ireland’s Youth: Possibilities for Rural Regeneration and Generational Renewal

Sustainability (2023)

Aisling Murtagh Maura Farrell Tuomas Kuhmonen Louise Weir Marie Mahon

The renewal of younger generations in farming and rural areas is a key European policy concern and rural sustainability issue. European literature discusses what drives young people from rural areas while identifying diverse and often interlinked factors as responsible. This study uses a future foresight approach to understand what would facilitate young people to remain in or return to rural areas. Targeting youth aged 18 to 30 and examining their personal dream futures in 2035, this paper presents the ideal lifestyle and livelihoods young people envision for themselves in rural Ireland. However, future approaches to alleviate rural decline, support regeneration, and the wider issue of generational renewal must consider the wider impact on rural sustainability. Generational renewal is just one challenging part of rural decline, including wider social, environmental, economic, and cultural issues. Driven by this wider concern, this paper also explores the implications of the youth’s future dreams for rural regeneration and generational renewal from a broad rural resilience perspective. The results identify a range of issues. However, rural jobs emerge as a key issue, and the paper outlines how policy attention is particularly needed here for improved resilient rural regeneration and generational renewal.

Futures studies

Rural Sociology

Rurality

10.3390/su15129528

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FARM FAMILIES AND FUTURE OPTIONS – THE ROLE OF THE EXTENSION ADVISORY SERVICE IN SHAPING IRISH AGRICULTURE

Quaestiones Geographicae (2013)

John McDonagh Maura Farrell Marie Mahon

Abstract Agriculture across Europe is very much driven by the reforms initiated by the European Union (EU) and World Trade Organisation negotiations. Reforms have mobilised a shift in agricultural practices from production to a somewhat contested post-production and, more recently, multifunctional agriculture regime. Accompanying such change has been the debate on the future of farming, the role of agriculture within the countryside, and the extent to which the sector will maintain support from the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the EU. Central to these discussions, in terms of bringing about beneficial change on farms and in rural areas, is the advice and direction available to farmers. The agricultural extension advisory services are an integral component of this process. This paper explores the position of public extension advisory services in Ireland and determines the extent to which these services are impacting the trajectory of modern agricultural practices within a framework of more traditional views of farmers and farm families.

Common Agricultural Policy

Position (finance)

Agricultural extension

Agricultural policy

10.2478/quageo-2013-0033

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Artists as workers in the rural; precarious livelihoods, sustaining rural futures

Journal of Rural Studies (2018)

Marie Mahon Brian McGrath Lillis Ó Laoire Patrick Collins

Rurality

Creative Industries

Cultural Sustainability

10.1016/j.jrurstud.2018.04.001

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Irish Organics, Innovation and Farm Collaboration: A Pathway to Farm Viability and Generational Renewal

Sustainability (2021)

Maura Farrell Aisling Murtagh Louise Weir Shane Francis Conway John McDonagh

The family farm has been the pillar of rural society for decades, stabilising rural economies and strengthening social and cultural traditions. Nonetheless, family farm numbers across Europe are declining as farmers endeavour to overcome issues of climate change, viability, farm structural change and intergenerational farm succession. Issues around farm viability and a lack of innovative agricultural practices play a key role in succession decisions, preventing older farmers from passing on the farm, and younger farmers from taking up the mantel. A multifunctional farming environment, however, increasingly encourages family farms to embrace diversity and look towards innovative and sustainable practices. Across the European Union, organic farming has always been a strong diversification option, and although, historically, its progress was limited within an Irish context, its popularity is growing. To examine the impact of organic farm diversification on issues facing the Irish farm family, this paper draws on a qualitative case study with a group of Irish organic farmers engaged in the Maximising Organic Production System (MOPS) EIP-AGRI Project. The case study was constructed using a phased approach where each stage shaped the next. This started with a desk-based analysis, then moving on to semi-structured interviews and a focus group, which were then consolidated with a final feedback session. Data gathering occurred in mid to late 2020. Research results reveal the uptake of innovative practices not only improve farm viability, but also encourage the next generation of young farmers to commit to the family farm and consider farming long-term.

Family farm

10.3390/su14010093

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Citations (16)