環境保全型農業経営体の形成と推進効果分析

抄録

This paper examines the change in certified organic and eco-farmers since the adoption of registered eco-farmer system (1999) and organic certifying rule (2000), and then develops a theoretical framework to identify the factors influencing the growth of these farmers. The transition to an organic farming system from a conventional farming system will lead to changes in labor use efficiency, production and farm income structure, which then exert substantial effect on change in organic and eco-farmers.
Empirical results suggest that change in organic and eco-farmers has been significantly influenced by earlier farmers' practices in organic farming, farm size, the earlier establishment of a certifying agency at the town level, and support from local agricultural cooperatives. However, a positive response to public investment is not found. These results imply that it is important to re-evaluate and spread the farming practices developed by experienced organic farmers, while improving regional service systems and the efficiency of public investment.