On-Farm Biogas Production and the Emergence of Eco-Innovation Pathways in the Grand Est Region (France)

The ecological bioeconomy, conceptualized by Georgescu-Roegen, emphasizes rethinking economic systems within planetary biophysical limits by promoting organic resource cycles. Current debates in socio-ecological economics showcase diverse visions shaping agricultural resilience through eco-innovation. Our study focuses on the energy farming model, specifically agricultural methanization in France’s Grand Est region, analyzed from a socio-ecological perspective. Agricultural methanization positions farmers simultaneously as food producers and renewable energy providers, aligning with public policy objectives but raising questions regarding ecological sustainability. Using mixed-methods research and evolutionary analysis, we identify three distinct business models along a continuum: from highly productivist approaches, which externalize biomass processing, to more integrated, ecologically-oriented systems. This diversity illustrates farmers’ varied perceptions and strategies regarding biomass use and renewable energy production. Our findings underline contrasting approaches to integrating environmental constraints, redefining agriculture’s relationship with nature, and differently contributing to ecological or non-ecological bioeconomies.