A VSM governance tool and agricultural paradigm change for climate and ecology

What the paper says

Purpose This study offers transformation pathways through the intersections of enterprise governance and farming in response to climate and ecological crises (COP21, COP28 et al.). The analysis further proposes Virtuoso as a novel integration capability for the Viable System Model (“VSM”), Stafford Beer's systemic methodology for enterprise management (Beer, 1985; Jenkinson, 2022). It thereby contrasts farming models and their ways of seeing. Design/methodology/approach The interdisciplinary methodology synthesizes insights from five domains: epistemology, ecological paradigms, farming practices, the VSM theory and Virtuoso, an identity governance framework. Comparative case studies contrast two paradigmatic systems of intensive English farming: conventional “industrial-chemical” (“IC”) and “biodynamic regeneration” (“BD”). Interdisciplinary research, fieldwork, and participatory engagement explored the interrelation of system elements and regenerative potential (Shweder, 1999). Findings Farming has radically altered the planetary biosphere (Ellis et al., 2010). The IC model is a major contributor to global climate and biodiversity challenges through its degenerative cycle of soil degradation, input dependency, and declining resilience (Montgomery, 2017, 39–40, 80–81). BD demonstrates that economically sound, mitigation and regeneration is possible, exceeding UN COP21 soil organic carbon (“SOC”) targets, a key indicator of climate change (Gantlett, 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025). Virtuoso articulates their contrasting identities and operational logics, revealing latent potential for agriculture and the VSM. Research limitations/implications The interdisciplinary synthesis suggests fresh lines of academic research and practice in farming, the VSM, and Virtuoso. Given some novelty and interplay between multiple complex fields, each aspect could inevitably be expanded both theoretically and practically. Practical implications Advances the VSM and System 5 (“S5”) practice and capability. Outlines implications for government agricultural policy, positioning farming as a key agent of biodiversity regeneration and climate change requiring support for integrated transition pathways. Notes the rich capability of biodynamic farming. Social implications Global futures are dependent on farming and food systems; this comparative study explores the global significance of agritechnique over agritech. It offers scope for improved enterprise management and performance. Originality/value This study contributes to the novel synthesis of regenerative agriculture, cybernetic governance, and ecological epistemology as it introduces novel VSM system capabilities and biologically intensive farming, each of significant ecosystem potential.