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Organic Farming as a Rational Choice

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  • Henning Best

    (Department for Methods of Empirical Social Research, Faculty of Social Sciences, University Mannheim, Mannheim, D- 68131, Germany, best@uni-mannheim.de)

Abstract

Based on a postal survey of farmers conducted in 2004 in Western Germany (n = 657), a rational choice model of the adoption of organic farming is tested. Using methods of direct utility measurement, rational choice (RC) theory is applied directly in the empirical study. By that, questionable assumptions on the variability of preferences and the type of preferences to use in RC explanations can be avoided. The results indicate that the subjectively expected utility model is well suited to explain the adoption of organic farming. Expectations on the development of operational characteristics of the farm and farmers' daily work are at the core of the decision. Farmers especially consider aspects like pest and weed control, the development of yields or the use of chemical substances. While solely economic factors like prices and marketing are also important, these are subordinate to operational aspects. In addition, a moderate impact of environmental concern regarding the adoption of organic farming is observed.

Suggested Citation

  • Henning Best, 2009. "Organic Farming as a Rational Choice," Rationality and Society, , vol. 21(2), pages 197-224, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ratsoc:v:21:y:2009:i:2:p:197-224
    DOI: 10.1177/1043463109103899
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Laura Siepmann & Kimberly A. Nicholas, 2018. "German Winegrowers’ Motives and Barriers to Convert to Organic Farming," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-17, November.
    3. Alda Miftari, 2020. "Sustainable Agriculture and Farmers Choices Among Short Term Efficiency and Preserving the Future," Academicus International Scientific Journal, Entrepreneurship Training Center Albania, issue 21, pages 89-100, January.
    4. Unay-Gailhard, İlkay & Bojnec, Štefan, 2021. "Gender and the environmental concerns of young farmers: Do young women farmers make a difference on family farms?," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 88, pages 71-82.
    5. Unay-Gailhard, Ilkay & Bojnec, Štefan, 2021. "Young Farmers' Attitudes Towards Agri-Environmental-Climate Measures: Do Young Women Farmers Make a Difference?," 2021 Conference, August 17-31, 2021, Virtual 315374, International Association of Agricultural Economists.

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