Net-Adopt Project: Understanding how social and trade networks influence adoption of sustainable practices

Agriculture drives the global economy and ensures food security—but it also contributes to ecosystem degradation. As food demand rises, adopting sustainable practices is essential to protect and restore these ecosystems and preserve their social and economic value.

Yet, the uptake of sustainable methods remains slow. The reasons behind farmers’ land management decisions are complex—and still not fully understood. While we know that social dimensions play a critical role, they remain under-researched. NetAdopt seeks to fill this gap by exploring how farmers’ connections—with peers, institutions, and markets—shape their choices and influence the adoption of sustainable practices.

The connection between soy, meat production and deforestation is erasing vast swathes of forest and other habitats in some of the country’s most biodiverse regions. Photo credit: Angela Guerrero

Our case studies span three continents:

  • Australia – sugarcane production
  • Brazil – soybean production and trade
  • Colombia – coffee production

Using advanced analytical tools and participatory approaches, NetAdopt aims to uncover how the intricate web of social and trade networks can accelerate—or hinder—the transition to sustainable agriculture.

This project is funded by the Australian Research Council and FORMAS.  

Featured Case Study: Australia – Sugarcane Production

Our first case study, focused on sugarcane production in Australia, is now complete. The findings offer valuable insights into how social networks influence land management decisions and the adoption of sustainable practices.

Read the full report:
Download the Australian Case Study Report 

Net-Adopt Related publications:

Guerrero A.M. & Cruz D. (2025). Social dimensions of agricultural practice adoption for Great Barrier Reef water quality: Insights from sugarcane growers in the Mulgrave-Russell basin, Queensland. Queensland University of Technology

Guerrero A.M., Jones N.A., Ross H., Virah-sawmy M., Biggs D. (2021) What influences and inhibits reduction of deforestation in the soy supply chain? A mental model perspective. Environmental Science and Policy 115:125–132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2020.10.016

Virah-Sawmy M., Duran A.P., Green J. Guerrero A.M., Biggs D., West C.D. (2019) Sustainability gridlock in a global agricultural commodity chain: Reframing the soy–meat food system. Sustainable Production and Consumption 18: 210-223. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2019.01.003