Native, heritage and rare breed poultry farming in Italy and Australia: a degrowth solution for alternative futures?

This research, based on twelve months of ethnographic work in Italy and Australia, delves into the embodiment of degrowth principles among native, heritage, and rare poultry breed farmers. These farmers exemplify degrowth in practice through reduced environmental footprints, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering more respectful relationships with non-human animals. They also foster self-sufficiency, conviviality, and alternative economies while prioritizing well-being over materialism. However, they face significant challenges within the profit-driven agri-food system, highlighting the complexities of implementing degrowth. This study sheds light on the potential for degrowth in poultry production while revealing the system’s enduring grip on these farmers’ livelihoods.