Adopting Organic Agriculture in British Columbia as an Established Pathway to Regenerative Agriculture

Organic agriculture is increasingly touted as an ecologically superior farming method, and as such, a pathway towards regenerative agriculture. This study is situated in British Columbia, where demand for organic produce continues to grow, yet local adoption of organic agriculture remains limited. The gap between market demand and farmers' uptake raises questions about the conditions that shape organic adoption. Additionally, the study considers the significance of organic farming for regenerative agriculture with a specific focus on soil health and reduction of synthetic inputs. It also examined awareness and support systems for organic agriculture in British Columbia. A qualitative research design was applied, using the Diffusion of Innovations and Social-Ecological systems frameworks. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews with 10 conventional farmers, 10 certified organic farmers, and 10 affiliated professionals. Findings indicate that, despite high awareness of organic agriculture among conventional farmers, this awareness does not translate into adoption. Organic agriculture is also heavily dependent on an informal system of support rather than on formal institutional support. The institutional support is seen as limited and poorly focused on organic agriculture. This underscores the importance of implementing measures that actively support conventional farmers willing to adopt organic methods. Key strategies include strengthening organic-specific extension services and developing policies that reduce structural risks. Awareness-raising programs alone are not likely to achieve significant outcomes. This study, drawing on farmers’ and agricultural professionals’ perspectives, offers insights into the systemic conditions that could be implemented to encourage the adoption of organic agriculture in British Columbia.

Author dc:creator

• Adedeji, Yussuf, Olalekan

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Mullinix, Kent

• School of environment and sustainability

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Identifier URI

https://doi.org/10.25316/IR-20992

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:null:10613/29465