Study Reveals What Makes Farms Resilient to Change

Jul 23, 2025
By Farms.com

UCO study urges targeted agricultural policies for farm resilience

A study conducted by the University of Cordoba (UCO) highlights the importance of stability and flexibility as key components of farm resilience. Published in the journal Environmental and Sustainability Indicators, the research emphasizes that agricultural policies must become more specific to be effective in the face of climate change and economic uncertainties.

Resilience in farming refers to the ability to adapt to external changes, and it manifests in two distinct forms: stability and flexibility. While some farms are more stable over time, they struggle with adaptation, whereas others exhibit high flexibility but lack long-term stability. This dichotomy underscores the need for targeted policies that can address both components effectively.

The researchers used data from 947 Spanish arable farms to analyze the resilience factors. They found that these farms demonstrated good stability but lacked the flexibility needed to cope with external shocks like climate change. Factors such as farm size, organic production, and subsidies played a significant role in shaping resilience, with larger farms showing more stability but less flexibility.

The study’s findings suggest that public policies should be designed to promote both stability and flexibility, depending on the specific needs of different regions and agricultural sectors. Policymakers should create tools that foster both static (stability) and dynamic (flexibility) resilience in farms to ensure long-term food security and sustainability.

This research provides valuable insights into how agricultural policies can be adapted to enhance farm resilience and better prepare farmers for future challenges, including climate change and economic volatility.

Photo Credit: istock-pkujiahe

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