ABSTRACT

This study surveyed 258 organic grain farmers in Iowa in the U.S. Midwest. We identified seven areas of challenges related to organic grain farming adoption: organic farming operations, marketing, policy, finance, inputs and information, social pressures, and land tenure. Respondents reported three key areas where extension programs were needed: education, research, and technical services. Regarding outreach formats, organic farmers preferred events where peers were featured or provided leadership, such as field days, one-on-one mentor programs, and farmer-to-farmer workshops. Results provided empirical evidence to support theoretical discussions and policy implications on issues related to adoption of organic grain farming.

摘要

这项研究调查了美国中西部爱荷华州的 258 名有机谷物农民。我们确定了与采用有机谷物农业相关的七个挑战领域：有机农业运营、营销、政策、金融、投入和信息、社会压力和土地使用权。受访者报告了需要扩展计划的三个关键领域：教育、研究和技术服务。关于外展形式，有机农民更喜欢有同伴参与或提供领导的活动，例如实地日、一对一的导师计划和农民对农民的研讨会。结果提供了经验证据，以支持有关采用有机谷物农业的问题的理论讨论和政策影响。