A typology of farmers to study the technical proximity to organic farming at the level of a water-stressed area

Organic farming is regarded as a solution for the conservation of drinking water resources in catchment areas. It is therefore important for local managers to identify conventional farmers who might be willing to convert to organic farming. The aim of this article is to assess the technical proximity to organic farming of conventional farms located in a water-sensitive area. To this end, a typological method is employed, based on an analysis of the diversity of the principles underpinning the organisation of cropping systems. This method allows for a comparison between the organisational arrangements of conventional farmers’ cropping systems and those of organic farmers prior to their conversion. The comparative analysis carried out on 21 dairy farms (including three organic ones) identifies five types of livestock farmers. It highlights a distinct character in the practices of organic farmers prior to conversion. Only two conventional farmers can thus be considered to be close to organic farming. For two other types of farmers, partial similarities are observed which farm managers can draw upon to initiate the transition to organic farming. The degrees of technical similarity to organic farming are mainly linked to the diversity of objectives and approaches among farmers.