2023, Łuczka, Władysława

The aim of the article was to determine the main problems of organic farming and to evaluate the support policy towards organic farming. The research distinguished three groups of organic farmers: committed, pragmatic, and pragmatic-involved, and then determined the differences and similarities of these groups concerning the identified problems and limitations in the development of organic farming and the assessment of support policy. In this study used qualitative survey methods conducted among 154 organic farms. The research results found that although farmers are interested in producing products using organic methods, they encounter significant difficulties: agrotechnical (related to weed infestation of agricultural fields), institutional, and market difficulties. The research has proven that the group of pragmatic farmers differs from the engaged and pragmatic-involved groups in terms of motives, as well as in the assessment of agricultural policy and the problems of developing organic farming. At the level of agricultural policy, there is a need to increase institutional and legal efficiency and establish a long-term strategy for developing organic agriculture. This study can be used to design a more effective policy for the growth of organic agriculture by public administration entities involved in its implementation.

2024, Łuczka, Władysława

The purpose of this paper is to present the policy for organic farming support in Poland as viewed by three groups of farmers: “committed”, “pragmatic”, and “committed pragmatic” ones. The authors determined the differences and similarities between the groups in how they view the support policy and found out whether they intend to continue or discontinue organic production in the future. The study relies on a qualitative survey administered to 154 organic farms. Most farmers were found to have a negative view of amendments to organic farming regulations. This can lead to a higher perception of risks involved in organic farming compared to conventional agriculture and may discourage them from continuing organic production in the future. When it comes to expectations about future policy, increased financial support is of key importance. This is especially true for two farmer groups: “committed” and “committed pragmatic” farmers. According to this study, the number of “pragmatic” farms is likely to change the most because every third member of that group intends to discontinue organic farming, and every third is hesitant about it.