Ergonomics in Organic Farming

Abstract

The main principle of organic agriculture is that it refrains from the use of fertilizers, pesticides and pharmaceuticals. In a Swedish project the working environment in organic farming is evaluated. The mail-in survey shows that the positive aspects of organic farming involves that they do not have to handle pesticides or fertilizers as well as and a lot of satisfaction from working with the nature in a more natural way. Increased work load is the most common negative aspect of organic farming. Especially the weed control leads to more work, both manual and machine operated. The organic farming also leads to more labor input and some new job opportunities, mainly seasonal work. The need for further education, improved extension service and research in the organic farming is on the list of demands among the participants in the study. The future needs a new type of organic farming which involves and highlight the working conditions for farmers and farm workers at the same level of importance as the present concern for the external environment, the animal welfare and the food quality!