Interacting imaginaries in the making of an alternative future in agriculture

This research paper explores the process of materialization of alternative futures in agriculture, in particular of strip cultivation in The Netherlands. It showcases how this process involves not only the interaction of farmers with a new equipment configuration, but also an expanded understanding of the role that biodiversity plays in farming. Given that strip cultivation has not been sufficiently studied, the adoption of this technique has led to the collaboration between farmers, researchers, and technology developers to fill this knowledge gap. This paper presents the experiences of some of these actors involved making use of the concept of land imaginaries, tinkering, and domestication. Thus, analysing the underlying elements that motivate the adoption of this technique, the interaction of knowledges in the continuous process of adaptation of equipment and practices and its expressions in the changing landscape.