Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.33128/ag.87.1.1

Challenges of organic farming on family farms in Požega-Slavonia County

Tomislav Soldo orcid.org/0000-0002-4902-4535 ; Sveučilište J. J Strossmayera u Osijeku, Fakultet turizma i ruralnog razvoja u Požegi, Požega, Hrvatska
Jasmina Mlađenović orcid.org/0000-0002-8069-3710 ; Sveučilište J. J Strossmayera u Osijeku, Fakultet turizma i ruralnog razvoja u Požegi, Požega, Sveučilište u Rijeci, Fakultet za menadžment u turizmu i ugostiteljstvu, Opatija, Hrvatska

Abstract

Consumer awareness of the benefits of consuming organic agricultural products is growing, particulary in terms of their positive effects on health, and organic products are in high demand. It is clear that the expansion of organic agricultural production has great potential, especially in the processing of organic primary products, which would allow family farms to create new added value. The aim of this research is to understand the motives for organic production on family farms in Požega-Slavonia County, the problems faced by organic producers and attitudes towards innovation. The questionnaire was sent to all registered organic producers in the county, 50 in total, and the response rate was 30%. The results showed that farm owners are mostly highly educated middle-aged people who have been involved in organic production for more than four years. The main motivations for organic production are the desire to produce healthy food and concern for health and the environment. All producers report lower yields and only half of the producers have increased product prices compared to conventional production. The majority of respondents consider the transition to organic agriculture unprofitable and have considered ceasing organic agricultural production. The most common problems mentioned by respondents are protection against diseases and pests and the fight against weeds, lower income and demanding paperwork. The majority of respondents believe that measures to support production and ensuring product placement through public procurement are necessary. As many as 93% of respondents believe it is important to introduce innovative products in their business, but most have not introduced them and do not believe that they have an innovative spirit. Low government incentives, demanding paperwork, increased production costs, and the fight against unfair competition have led to a decline in producers' interest in organic production. In order to achieve the objectives of the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan to 2027, which envisages an increase in organic production from 8% to 12% of total agricultural production, and the Action Plan for the Development of Organic Production by 2030, which envisages growth in organic production to 14% of total agricultural production, it is necessary to simplify the legal regulations and introduce new government incentives

Keywords

organic production; innovation; family farms

Hrčak ID:

334440

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/334440

Publication date:

30.6.2025.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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