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Problemy rozwoju rolnictwa ekologicznego w opinii rolników
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.
Organic farming support policy as viewed by the farmers
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.
Socioeconomic reasons for discontinuing organic farming: a Polish case study
Aim: This paper attempts to close the research gap on the reasons for discontinuing organic farming in Poland. The goal is to explore the aspects that make Polish farmers cease organic farming and the barriers and factors which condition their re-embarking on the organic path. Methodology: This paper relies on data from a survey of 134 Polish farmers who moved away from organic farming. This study was carried out with former farmers who ceased organic farming between 2014 and 2018. It comprised two stages: the first was an interview with a non-random group of 18 farmers who discontinued organic farming. The second stage used a diagnostic survey with an original questionnaire administered to farmers who shifted away from organic production. The survey was conducted in 2021. Initially, 534 questionnaires were sent by mail. As the return rate was low, the procedure was repeated twice. As a result, 134 questionnaires were received back out of 1,569. Results: The study found the following to be the key reasons for discontinuation: end of the five-year period of financial support, high production costs, insufficient levels of support, low yields, and un-profitable production. The “committed pragmatic farmers” was the most prevalent of the three types covered by the study. The drivers of their decision to go organic included both economic (financial support and incomes) and environmental aspects. However, the key reasons for ceasing organic farming were of a financial (end of the five-year support period) and institutional (burdensome bureaucracy and inspections) nature. Conclusions: Although certain countries witness considerable discontinuation rates, there is a relative scarcity of papers dealing with this issue. Poland is an example of a country which has seen an acceleration in the shift away from organic farming over the recent years, resulting in a drop in the area of organic farmland (by 185,000 ha from 2014 to 2018).