Organic farming and factors influencing its adoptions: A study of Tennessee farmers

Abstract

Organic farming is a form of agriculture in which the production of crops and animals excludes the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and plant growth regulators. As demands in agriculture have changed so has the organic sub sector, which is changing in many countries as well as in the United States. Consumer demand for organically produced goods has increased over a decade, but still accounts only a relatively small share of agricultural production. Organic farming is generally more environmentally friendly than conventional agriculture, however, may require more land in some places to provide the same amount of produce. The Southeast has fewer acres of certified organic farmland than other regions. The purpose of this study is to examine trends and growth of organic farming in the United States and Tennessee, assess factors influencing its adoption by Tennessee farmers, and to evaluate sources of information used by organic producers. The results of the study revealed that there is a future for organic farming in Tennessee. Most farmers would like to learn and receive more information pertaining to organic farming, and farmers are also showing interest in adoption of organic farming. The study reveals that money, time, and labor are the three important factors that are keeping farmers from transitioning to organic farming