Generating conversion to organic farming: An evaluation of factors influencing the adoption of organic farming practices

Summary

Recently, the dissemination of organic farming has received much attention and several initiatives aim to increase the organically farmed area. This thesis works according to the following research question: “What are the most important factors affecting adoption of organic farming in Europe and Denmark?”. Hence, it addresses the adoption of organic farming and creates insight into the factors which influence farmers’ decision to convert to organic farming. Two theoretical frameworks guide the analyses of the thesis. The analyses are based upon a systematic literature review and four case studies based on semi-structured interviews with recently converted Danish dairy farmers. Subsidies, environmental concerns, considerations about the farm economy, and uncertainties about the stability of the organic market are recurring as influential factors in the review. The most recurring factor is supportive social networks. In the four cases, considerations about farm economy are also found to be important; however, contrary to the findings of the review, the prospects of the organic market are a main driver. Interactions with both advisors and social networks are important in the four cases. Environmental concerns are also important in the cases, but to some, the concern developed after conversion, indicating that motivations to stay organic change with time. Besides from the abovementioned results, the thesis also presents a reworked theoretical framework, which may be used in future analyses.