A Green Lean approach to global competition and climate change in the agricultural sector - A Swedish case study

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

• Melin, Martin

  • Department of People and Society, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Sustainable Development Goals

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