Melin, Martin
- Department of People and Society, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Abstract
Increased global competition in the agricultural sector is rapidly changing the structure of farms and farming. As the number of small and diversified farms (often family-owned) decreases, the number of large and specialized farms (often corporate-owned) is increasing. In this transformation, the agricultural sector is more and more concerned with strategy, innovation, and competition in the effort to be more productive and more profitable. At the same time, the sector faces demands that it become more environmentally responsible in its policies and practices. This paper proposes a Lean Implementation Framework that small and mid-size farms can use as they aim to increase production and profit and yet support environmental sustainability. This case study takes an action-oriented research approach that focuses on the implementation of a Green Lean approach at 34 Swedish farms using various Lean tools. The paper describes how training sessions, farm visits, workshops, and counseling were used to introduce the farmers to the benefits and risks of the implementation of a new business model that added Green elements to the traditional business model design. The paper concludes with recommendations for adaptations to the Framework and suggestions for future research. (C) 2018 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Keywords
Green Lean; Lean tools; 5S; Value stream mapping; Agriculture
Published in
Journal of Cleaner Production
2018, volume: 204, pages: 183-192
Publisher: ELSEVIER SCI LTD
SLU Authors
Global goals (SDG)
SDG12 Responsible consumption and production
SDG13 Climate action
UKÄ Subject classification
Agricultural Science
Economics
Publication identifier
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.09.021
Permanent link to this page (URI)
https://res.slu.se/id/publ/96979