Study of Barriers toward Development of Organic Farming

Today, with an increasingly global population, agricultural production systems should meet the growing needs of food by using the new technologies. Increases in the level of production have inevitably resulted in some environmental issues. Addressing these problems require the application of organic farming as a sustainable way of agriculture system which possesses many promised advantages. However, the development of this agricultural system faces many obstacles regarding farmers. This study aimes to qualitatively analyze the barriers and problems with respect to development of organic farming. Interviews was conducted with emphasis on Focus Group Discussion (24 Organic Growers) in Darrehshahr county (Ilam Province). Data analysis were done via both application of qualitative research method, clustering and categorizing gathered data. This study suggests that obstacles such as infrastructure, economic, lack of knowledge and awareness, technical and managerial supports, motivational and attitudinal issues were the main barriers and problems regarding the development of organic farming. These results can help agricultural planners and policy makers to improve and accelerate the development of organic farming as well as producing healthy crops.