Study of factors affecting on the tendency to greenhouse organic cucumber producers in Yazd province

Abstract

Increase in greenhouse production in Yazd province has resulted increase in consuming of fertilizer and pesticide use therfor, so it is necessary to reduce using of chemical materials in greenhouse production and increase of organic products. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors influencing process of transition to organic agriculture in greenhouse cucumber producers in Yazd province. This study was a descriptive-survey research. Data collection tools were questionnaires and face to face interviews with 144 producers of greenhouse cucumber in the province. Data analysis was done using descriptive analysis, T-test and logit econometric model. Among 144 greenhouse cucumber producers, 59 people have a positive trend to become organic farmers and 85 people showed no interest. Results showed that the low knowledge of producers in the field of organic farming, lack of sufficient support of organic farming by government, high-risk of organic farming, the lack of specific market and are the major obstacles on the way of the production of organic products. Logit model results showed that there is a significant positive relationship between the level of production experience, age, education, sanitary positive attitude towards environment and desire to have organic farming. There is a significant negative correlation between using of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and desire to have organic farming. Due to lack of knowledge in the field of technical, management and sales of organic products, government support and control of the production in this area is essential.