Abstract
This study examines similarities and differences between certified environmentally conscious and conventional farmers. We explore the factors that underlie farmers' conservation attitudes, including farm characteristics and awareness of and concern for environmental problems associated with agriculture. Firstly the questionnaire survey was conducted with 62 farmers in Shiga prefecture, Japan. Secondly the difference between certified and conventional farmers was examined statistically. The data suggest the certified farmers typically are younger and have larger farms than conventional farmers. The findings indicate that both groups of farmers have a concern for the environmental awareness associated with farming. Implications of these findings are discussed, relative to implication for effectiveness of conservation education and government support programs.
