Factors Affecting the Extension and Development of Organic Farming Activities

An alternative agricultural system as a strategy for sustainable development has been introduced due to the human needs growth toward food security and also the development of science and modern technologies such as production of high-yield crops, chemical inputs and genetic engineering that led to negative effects on the environment and natural resources. Organic farming is a type of sustainable agriculture with the main purpose of creating integrated agricultural production system that provide both of the economic and environmental benefits in a positive sum game approach. Influencing factors of organic farming activities among the farmers of Bushehr province was the main aim of the study. A survey research was conducted to collect data through interviewing a random sample of 67 farmers in two different regions of Bushehr province. Face validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by a panel of professors at Shiraz University as well as the specialists of agricultural research center. The reliability was also tested through conducting a pilot study with 30 farmers out of the main sample (Cronbach`s alpha: 0.60-0.91). The findings of structural equation models of the both regions revealed that the factors such as knowledge about organic farming principles, attitude toward environmental conservation, attitude toward human health, attitude to conventional agriculture consequences and attitude toward reference group were the main determinants of farmers` attitude and behaviors toward organic farming system. Finally, some applicable recommendations were presented in order to encourage farmers to accept organic agriculture.