Since 2005, the number of Swiss organic farms has been declining steadily contrary to the positive trend in demand. Between 2005 and 2009, 13 % of organic mountain farms were lost. In this context, we analyse the factors influencing a decision to opt out of mountain organic farming by using a written survey and logistic regression. The analysis shows that economic reasons (price of organic products, low direct payments), the time and effort of record-keeping and checks («Guidelines change too often») and problems obtaining suitable concentrated feed were the most commonly cited reasons for opting out. There is a high disposition towards opting out of organic farming, especially in the case of dairy farms. The regression analysis confirms the results of the survey
