Rural Sociological Barriers to Adoption of Conservation and Food safety in Rural Alberta

Abstract

This project was premised on the belief that adoption of conservation and food safety beneficial management practices is affected not only by economic factors, but also by a host of other socio-psychological variables. It was believed that a greater understanding of key social barriers to the adoption of conservation and food safety beneficial management practices in Alberta – and exploring the ways in which extension practices affect these factors – would provide an improved understanding of adoption issues, thereby providing policy makers and extension deliverers with critical knowledge to better fulfill their respective roles. Specifically, this project explored the key motivators and barriers of Albertan producers and how these influence (or could influence) the adoption of conservation and food safety beneficial management practices.