Suchergebnisse

Only few farmers in the municipality of Magsaysay, Davao del Sur, continue to produce rice through organic farming. Although the price of organic rice is relatively higher compared to the conventional one, the majority of the organic rice farmers reverted back to conventional farming. Hence, this study was conducted to investigate the influences that affect the decisions of organic rice farmers in Magsaysay to remain in organic farming through logistic regression analysis. Moreover, this study employed cost-benefit analysis (CBA) to evaluate the benefits and costs associated with organic and conventional rice production. Sixty farmers participated in the survey; 20 were organic farmers (out of 21 members of MOFARMCO) and 40 (out of 124) were previously organic farmers who reverted back to conventional farming methods. The result of the logit model showed that family labor size, perception on organic farming, and age significantly influence the decisions of rice farmers to remain in organic farming. Meanwhile, the cost-benefit analysis revealed that although the yield per hectare obtained in organic farming was less, it was still more profitable due to higher selling price and lower cost of production. In order to expand the use of organic farming in Magsaysay, it is important for the local government units and nongovernment organizations to formulate an organic farming promotion policy taking into consideration the results of this study. Moreover, this study recommends policy formulation and regulation to strengthen market development as well as the conduct of research and development programs to increase yield from organic farming.