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Midwestern organic farming: A ten-year follow-up

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 October 2009

William Lockeretz  and
Patrick Madden
William Lockeretz
Affiliation:
Research Associate Professor, School of Nutrition, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155.
Patrick Madden
Affiliation:
Professor of Agricultural Economics, Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802.
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Abstract

A mailed survey was sent to 174 Midwestern organic farmers originally studied in 1977. We obtained information on 133 of this group, 96 of whom are still farming at the same location, although 12 no longer use organic methods. Fifty-eight currently active farmers returned a detailed questionnaire that covered their perceptions of the advantages and disadvantages of organic farming, some of their practices, and their financial status. Most farmers who employed organic farming methods stated they did so out of concern for the health of themselves, their families, and their livestock. Compared to ten years ago, philosophical or religious considerations were less frequently mentioned as an advantage of organic farming. In contrast, some agronomic and management disadvantages of organic f arming were mentioned more often. The farmers now are more tolerant, in principle, of some chemicals not generally accepted in organic farming, but regular use of soluble fertilizers and synthetic pesticides has not increased appreciably. The farmers reported little change in the institutional and social environment for organic agriculture, including available markets, information sources, and the attitudes of their neighbors.

Type
Articles
Information
American Journal of Alternative Agriculture , Volume 2 , Issue 2 , Spring 1987 , pp. 57 - 63
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1987

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