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Understanding the uptake of organic farming: Accounting for heterogeneities among Irish farmers

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  • Läpple, Doris
  • Kelley, Hugh

Abstract

This paper examines the decisions of Irish farmers to convert to organic farming by applying the theory of planned behaviour to control for social influence and technical constraints. Cluster analysis and principal component analysis are utilised to account for sample heterogeneity and to identify heterogeneities in farmer beliefs regarding adoption of organic methods. The results indicate that the impact of economic incentives and technical barriers varies, while social acceptance of organic farming constrains adoption. These findings suggest that policy incentives mainly based on subsidy payments may be insufficient to increase the organic sector in the presence of social and technical barriers.

Suggested Citation

  • Läpple, Doris & Kelley, Hugh, 2013. "Understanding the uptake of organic farming: Accounting for heterogeneities among Irish farmers," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 88(C), pages 11-19.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolec:v:88:y:2013:i:c:p:11-19
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2012.12.025
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Organic farming; Principal component analysis; Theory of planned behaviour; Decision making;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Q12 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Micro Analysis of Farm Firms, Farm Households, and Farm Input Markets
    • Q16 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - R&D; Agricultural Technology; Biofuels; Agricultural Extension Services
    • C38 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Classification Methdos; Cluster Analysis; Principal Components; Factor Analysis
    • C83 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Survey Methods; Sampling Methods

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