Barriers to the adoption of organic farming in Canterbury

Organic farming (OF) shows promise as a commercial alternative to conventional agriculture. Organic farming is characterised by low production costs, high commodity prices and an environmental philosophy. However, few farmers have actually adopted OF and little information is available about OF in New Zealand. A multi-disciplinary approach was used to focus on barriers to the adoption of organic farming by Canterbury cereal crop and livestock farmers. The expansion of organic farming was considered within the framework of the adoption and diffusion of innovations. The current population of 13 Canterbury organic farmers was interviewed, and postal questionnaires were sent to 52 South Island farmers who had expressed a strong interest in adopting OF (response rate 90.4%, n=41 usable survey forms). Secondary information was also extensively used. A number of barriers were identified. Pest control was the main technical problem for organic farmers, particularly control of crop weeds and parasitic disease in young stock. The period of transition from conventional to organic agriculture was a major barrier due to investment costs and low income. A lack of production and marketing information reduced the feasibility and increased the perceived risk of the technology. Perceived technical difficulties, the uncertainty of organic food markets, a lack of production information, and current economic hardship were the main factors which deterred producers from adopting OF. Current economic conditions provide an incentive to reduce chemical use in farm production, but not to completely eliminate chemical inputs. The main areas where public policy could remove barriers to OF are the supply of information through subsidised research and extension, and the establishment of a commercial industry infrastructure.