Opportunities and Barriers to the Development of Organic Farming from the Perspective of Conventional Farms

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify the motives that guide farmers in running a farm, their intentions, and to assess the policy of developing organic farming. The aim of the study was to answer the following questions: what is the significance of environmental motives among conventional farms, to what extent are conventional farms interested in switching to organic farming methods, and what are the main reasons for the decision not to adopt an organic production system. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study applied a diagnostic survey method using a survey questionnaire conducted directly among 164 farmers running conventional farms. The survey questionnaire distinguished two types of conventional farmers, assuming the preferred motives and goals of choosing a farming system as the division criterion. The research results underwent statistical analysis. Findings: As a result of the research conducted, the most important motives for running a farm as well as the differences and similarities in assigning specific meaning to them, were determined. The research shows that the group of pragmatic farmers differs only slightly from the pragmatic-committed group in motives, as well as in the assessment of agricultural policy and the identification of the most important barriers to the development of organic farming. In the decision-making process regarding the choice of management method, the studied groups of conventional farmers are driven mainly by economic motives and, to a small extent, by environmental and social motives. In this respect, they are a uniform group. In identifying barriers to the development of organic farming, it is worth noting the great importance assigned by pragmatic farmers to the burdensome bureaucracy and control related to organic farming and frequent changes in legal regulations in this area. Practical Implications: The results of the study may be useful for developing a more effective policy for the development of organic farming by public administration entities involved in its implementation. In the future, this policy should be directed more towards stimulating the pro-environmental orientation of conventional farmers, which may increase the chances of converting some farms to the principles of organic farming. Originality/Value: The research provided new knowledge about the reasons for the low interest in organic farming among conventional farms. It may provide valuable information about the possibilities of increasing the number of organic farms.