BIBLIOGRAPHY
BALANG, RACHELLE L. APRIL.2010. Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers
Towards Organic Farming. Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Clifton D. Llanes, BSc
ABSTRACT

Organic farming is a prime topic in agriculture sector but only few farmers go
with this. This study aimed to determine the perceptions and attitudes of strawbery
farmers towards organic agriculture, relating these to their demographics.

Eighty respondents were taken from Betag and Longlong, the major production
areas of La Trinidad. Respondents with lesser farm size rely on strawberry farming as a
major source of income indicating a sensitivity in decisions made to generate income.

The farmers have a minimal understanding of organic farming claiming certainty
on its effects on soil management but uncertainty on effectiveness for pest management.

Radio programs have been a major source of information on organic farming for
the respondents.

Respondents disagree that organic farming is an expensive endeavor, but are
concerned, however, that organic farming equates to lower yields and requires more
labor. These are their main reasons for not going into organic farming. On the other hand,
they also understand the positive contributions of organic farming to health and the
environment.

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Furthermore, respondents exhibits low understanding of consumers behavior and
preferences in consuming organically grown strawberry.

It is therefore recommended that concerned institutions increase the intensity and
frequency of providing farmers with information and education on organic farming to the
strawberry farmers. To convince them to go into organic farming, the concerned
institutions, must likewise present farmers with comparative quantitative values and
budgets they can relate to.
 
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TABLE OF CONTENTS










Page


Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
i
Abstract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
i
Table of Contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
iii

INTRODUCTION

Rationale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1

Statement of the Problem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3

Objective of the Study. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4

Importance of Study. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4

Scope and Delimitation of the Study. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Importance of Organic Farming. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6

Perceptions of Farmers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8

Definition of Terms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10

METHODOLOGY

Locale and Time of the Study. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11

Respondents of the Study. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11

Data Collection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11

Data Analysis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11





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RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS


Personal and Farming Profile

of Respondents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12



Strawberry Farming as a Major or

Additional Source of Income

for Respondents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15



Other Sources of Income

for Respondents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16


Concept of Organic Farming

to Respondents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .
18



Knowledge on Organic Farming. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21



Sources of Information on

Organic Farming. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24



Perceptions on Organic Farming:

Technical Aspects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27



Perceptions on Organic Farming:

Socio-economic Aspects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33



Perceptions on Organic Farming:

Environmental/Health Aspects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
39



Perceptions of Consumer’s Behavior

in Consuming Organically

Grown Strawberry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
44



Reasons for “occasional” to

“not at all” Consumption. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
46



Reason for “often” to “very

frequent” Consumption. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
49



Constraints of Strawberry Farmers

in Adapting Strawberry.

Organic Farming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
50


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SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
53

Conclusions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
56

Recommendations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
57
LITERATURE CITED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
58
APPENDICES

A. Letter to the Respondents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
60
B. Survey Questionnaire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
61
 
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1

INTRODUCTION


Rationale

Organic farming has now become a prime topic of discussion and concern in the
agricultural sector. It is a method of farming that requires farmers to operate a system
based on ecological principles and which imposes strict limitations on the inputs that can
be used in order to minimize damage to the environment and wildlife. So, emphasis is
given on natural methods of production and pest’s control. Organic agriculture has
developed rapidly worldwide during the last few years and is now practiced in
approximately 120 countries (Ghosh, 2008).
Organic farming is a form of agriculture that relies on crop rotation, green
manure, compost, biological pest control and mechanical cultivation etc…to maintain soil
productivity and control pests, excluding or strictly limiting the use of synthetic fertilizers
and synthetic pesticides (Wikipedia, 2009).
Fruits and veggies grown organically show significant higher levels of cancer
fighting antioxidants than conventionally grown foods, according to a new study of corn,
strawberries and marion berries. Sustainable and organically grown strawberries showed
about 19 percent more antioxidants than conventionally grown. The research suggests
that pesticides and herbicides actually thwart their production of phenolics-chemicals that
acts as a plants natural defense and also happen to be good for our health. Fertilizers,
however, seem to boost the levels of anti-cancer compounds (Mitchell, 2003).
The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) in the United States of
America defines organic farming as a modern, sustainable farming system which
maintains the long-term fertility of the soil and uses less of Earth’s finite resources to
Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

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produce high quality, nutritious food (OFRF. 2004).Furthermore, the International
Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), states: The purpose of organic
agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of independent communities of soil
life, plants, animals and people.
Organic farming as stated by Mgdoff and Weil (2004) does not allow the use of
synthetic pesticides or fertilizers and is intended to reduce the detrimental effects of
agriculture on soils, animals and the environment.
Increasing population levels on a near stabilized agricultural land places a heavy
burden on the soil source-particularly its nutrient supplying power. Chemical fertilizers
have come to increase the output of an agricultural product and to meet ever increasing
demand of human population. The problem is further compounded in several areas due to
the excessive use of chemical fertilizers which resulted into considerable deterioration in
the quality of indigenous soil. Intensive agriculture with the use of chemical fertilizers in
large amount has, no doubt, resulted in manifold increase in the productivity of farm
commodities but the adverse effect of these chemicals are clearly visible on soil structure,
microflora, quality of water, food, and fodder. Organic farming has emerged as the only
answer to bring sustainability to agriculture and environment. Organic farming is a
farming integration of biological, cultural and natural inputs including integrated diseases
and pest management practices (Panda and Hota Eds, 2007).
Organic agriculture is a problematic label that can be interpreted to a wide range
of things. The sustainability of organic farming ultimately depends upon people making a
personal commitment to maintaining the health and productivity of self-renewing,
regenerative living ecosystems, societies, and economies (Berry, 1990).
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Like many other vegetables, strawberry needs fertilizer and pesticide to supply its
nutritional requirements to obtain optimum growth and development. One way to meet
this is to supply the right kind of organic fertilizer and pesticide.
Strawberry is the most popular berry fruit in the world. Their unique phenol
content makes them heart protective, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory. They are a good
source of Vitamin C, manganese, fiber, folate, magnesium, copper, and Vitamins B5 and
B6. And, because strawberry is eaten as raw, it is important to produce it organically to
avoid consumer’s risk. Beside, organic strawberry production eliminates environmental
stress caused by pesticide use, thus increasing soil biotic diversity and beneficial
organism (Liebman, 1994 and Baker, 1996).

Statement of the Problem

Strawberry farmers are one of the heavy users of fertilizers and pesticides.
Because of the unfavorable effect of using inorganic materials, agriculture institutions
recommend farmers to adapt organic farming. This study was conducted to answer the
following questions in order to contribute to the data needed in understanding the
perception of strawberry farmers towards organic farming.
1. What is the concept of organic farming to strawberry farmers?
2. What are the perceptions of the strawberry farmers on organic farming in
terms of:
a. technical aspects
b.
socio-economic
aspects
c.
environmental
aspects?
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3. What are the perceptions of strawberry farmers on the consumer’s behavior in
terms of consumption pattern and reasons for consumption or non-consumption?
4. How does the farmers profile relate to their perceptions in organic production
and consumption on organically produced strawberry?
5. What are the constraints of strawberry farmers in adapting organic farming?

Objectives of the Study

The study aimed to determine the following objective:
1. To determine the concept of organic farming to strawberry farmers.
2. To determine the perceptions of strawberry farmers on organic farming in
terms of :
a. technical aspects
b.
socio-economic
aspects


c. environmental/ health aspects?
3. To determine the perceptions of strawberry farmers on the consumer’s behavior
in terms of consumption pattern and reasons for consumption or non-consumption.
4. To determine the relation between the farmers profile and their perceptions in
organic production and consumption on organically produced strawberry.
5. To determine the constraints of strawberry farmers in adapting organic farming.

Importance of the Study
As the study will dwell on how farmers perceive organic strawberry production
as well as the constraints they might face in going into such , it will hence point out the
fears and misconceptions of farmers in going into organic production and the strong
Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

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points of organic production which could be use as reference for future promotion of
organic production.
Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This study is limited to the perceptions of strawberry farmers in organic farming
which will be conducted in two selected areas of La Trinidad, Benguet particularly
Longlong and Betag. These areas are selected because most farmers in the place
strawberry farmers.




















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REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Importance of Farming
Farming is one of the major source of livelihood for Filipinos and one of the most
important industries in the Philippines. It plays an important role in the agricultural
development of a country.

FAO (1999) stated that organic agriculture is a holistic production
management system which promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem health, including
biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological agro-ecosystem.
Organic farming provides long-term benefits to people and the environment.
Organic farming aims to increase long-term fertility, control pests and diseases without
harming the environment, ensure that water stays clean and safe, use resources which
the farmer already has, so the farmer needs less money to buy inputs, produce
nutritious foods, feed for animals and high quality crops to sell at a good price
(Anonymous, 2009).
The ample use of organic matter gives a soil good structure and makes it easy to
till; organic matter also provides food for bacteria, it keeps plant foods available so the
growing crops can use them: it serves as a storehouse of nitrogen, phosphorous,
potassium, and other plant-nutrient elements, and mulch form, organic matter increases
water intake and reduces water loss (Mc Vickar, 1970).
Organic farming lowers the operating cost of the farmers. This is because they
don’t have to spend money anymore in purchasing chemicals and fertilizers. This would
enable them to expand their operations because of bigger profits. Furthermore, it would
also mean additional employment for others in the community.
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The most important of the advantages of organic food is that it maintains the life
of the soil, not only for the current generation, but also for the future generations. Water
pollution is reduced with organic farming. Most of the times after it rain, the water from
the fields, which contains chemicals, gets drained into the rivers. This pollutes the water
bodies. In organic farming, since no chemicals or synthetics are used, water pollution
reduces as well. Organic farming helps in building richer soil. The rich soil helps in plant
growth. The rate of soil erosion is reduced drastically. A French study has revealed that
the nutritional quality and micro-nutrients are present in higher quantities in organically
produced crops. The micro-nutrients promote good health. Organically grown food tastes
better too. The life of organically grown plants is longer than the plants cultivated by
traditional methods. Organically grown crop is more droughts tolerant. However, along
with the pros of organic farming, there are certain cons of organic farming too. The first
disadvantage of organic farming is low productivity. With the highly developed
chemicals and machinery, the farmer is able to multiply his harvest manifold times. The
organic farmers use the cultivation method as opposed to drilling method used by the
traditional farmers. The next argument, which goes against organic farming, is that the
organically produced food is expensive. The cost is very often 50-100 percent more than
the traditional food. The other valid argument is that organic food is not always available.
There is a reason behind that (Leo, 2009).

Furthermore, Leo (2009) stated that crop rotation, green manure, use of natural
fertilizers and biological pests control form the crux of organic farming. It is a proactive
ecology management strategy. This strategy enhances the fertility of the soil erosion and
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at the same time protects the humans and animals kingdom from the side effects of
chemicals and synthetics.
Perceptions of Farmers
In philosophy, psychology, and cognitive science, perception is the process of
attaining awareness or understanding of sensory information. The word “perception”
comes from the Latin words perceptio, percipio, and means “receiving, collecting, and
action of taking possession, apprehension with the mind or senses”.
People usually see what they expect to see, and what they expect to see is usually
based on familiarity, previous experience or preconditioned set (expectation) (Schiffman
and Kanuk, 2007).
Perception as defined by Schiffman and Kanuk (2007) is the process by which an
individual organizes and interprets stimuli into a meaningful and coherent picture of the
world. It can be describe as “how we see the world around us”
Sherman (1984) as cited by Pugsong (2006) that the individual of the world is
determined by personal experience that creates a filter through which the world is
viewed. An important part of perception is how people perceive themselves. Their self-
perception or self concept as primary determines of how they will act in a particular
solution.
Kotler et al., (2006) stated perceptions depend not only on the physical stimuli’s
relation to the surrounding field and on conditions within the individual. In marketing,
perceptions are more important than the reality, as it is perceptions that will affect
consumer’s behavior.
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Furthermore, Kotler et al., (2006) stated that people can emerge with different
perceptions of the same object because of the perceptual process. Selective attentions in
those consumers are exposed to numerous ads or brand communications everyday.
Because they cannot possibly attend to all of these, most stimuli will be screened out-a
process called selective attention. Selective distortion is the tendency to interpret
information in a way that will fit our perceptions. Selective retention in those consumers
is likely to remember good points about competing products.
Perceptions vary from person to person. Different people perceive different things
about the same situation. But more than that, we assign different meanings to what we
perceive. And the meanings might change for a certain person. One might change one's
perspective or simply make things mean something else.
Balfour said: I am sure that the techniques of organic farming cannot be
imprisoned in a rigid set of rules. They depend essentially on the outlook of the farmer.















Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

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Definition of Terms
Farming. An occupation or way of life.
Fertilizer. Any organic or inorganic material added to soil to provide plant
nutrients and to increase the growth, yield quantity or nutritive value of the plant grown
therein.
Inorganic. A chemical or fertilizer which is not obtained from a source which is or

has been alive.

Organic
fertilizer. Fertilizer derived from organic sources such as compost,

manure, etc.

Organic
farming. A form of agriculture that relies on crop rotation, green manure,
compost, biological pest control and mechanical cultivation ect. to maintain soil
productivity and control pests, excluding or strictly limiting the use of synthetic fertilizers
and synthetic pesticides.
Perception. Process by which an individual selects, organizes, interprets
information to create a meaningful picture of the world.
Synthetic. A man-made: not of natural origin; prepared or made artificially.









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METHODOLOGY
Locale and Time of the Study

The study was conducted in two selected barangays of La Trinidad, Benguet,
namely, Longlong and Betag. These barangays was selected because it is where most of
strawberry production is done. The study was conducted in December to February, 2010.
Respondents of the Study
The respondents were 80 strawberry farmers of Longlong and Betag, La Trinidad,
Benguet. The respondents were selected trough random sampling.

Data Collection
An interview schedule was used to gather the needed information and data. It
was supplemented with personal interview to clarify the answers. The questionnaire was
formulated based on the objectives of the study.
Data Analysis

The data gathered was analyzed according to the objective of the study.
Responses were cross tabulated against the farmers and farm profile and correlation
analysis was done. Simple statistical tools such as frequency counts, percentages and
other appropriate statistical tools were also used to determine the trend of perception
among farmers in consideration of their demographic.




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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Personal and Farming Profile
of Respondents
Table 1 presents the personal and farming profile of respondents in terms of
variables such as age, gender, civil status, ethnicity, highest educational attainment, years
in farming and farm size and was cross tabulated with their respective barangay.

Betag and Longlong were selected as the area of the study because most farmers
in the place are strawberry farmers. There were 60 respondents from Betag and 20
respondents in Longlong.

There were more males (66.2%) than females (33.8%) interviewed in the study
and most (55%) were married. Most (21.2%) belong to 26-30 years old. Furthermore,
there is an almost equal distribution of respondents across the age ranges with the least
number (5%) coming from those older than 51 years old.

Most of the respondents are kankanaey (67.5%), and (16.2%) are Ibaloi and
Ilocano. This implies that most strawberry farmers in Betag and Longlong are of common
cultural and linguistic characteristics.

All of the respondents have undergone formal schooling with (45%) having
reached high school and college (23.8%). This implies that most respondents are
educated.

Some 39(48.8%) of the respondents had been farming for less than five years and
38(47.5%) work on a 600-1000 sq. m. farm size. Another 22(27.5%) respondents had
been farming for six to ten years and 31(38.8 %) work on a farm size lesser than
600 sq. m.

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Table 1. Personal and farming profile of respondents
FARM LOCATION
PARTICULAR BETAG LONGLONG
TOTAL
F % F % F %
Age
25 and below
8
10.0
4
5.0

12
15.0
26-30
11
13.8
6 7.5
17
21.2
31-35
11
13.8
3 3.8
14
17.5
36-40
8 10.0
1 1.2


9
11.2

41-45
11
13.8
1 1.2
12
15.0
46-50


7
8.8
2 2.5


9
11.2
51 and above
4
5.0

3
3.8

7
8.8
TOTAL


60
75.5 20
25.0
80
100
Gender

Female

20
25.0
7
8.8
27
33.8
Male
40
50.0
13
16.2
53
66.2
TOTAL 60
75.5
20
25.0
80
100
Civil status
Single
15
18.8


9
11.2
24


30
Married 44
55.0
10
12.5
54
67.5
Separated

1
1.2
1
1.2
2
2.5
TOTAL 60
75.5
20
25.0
80
100
Ethnicity
Kankanaey
39
48.8
15
18.8
54
67.5
Ilocano

11
13.8
2
2.5
13
16.2
Ibaloi

10
12.5
3
3.8
13
16.2
TOTAL 60
75.5
20
25.0
80
100


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Table 1 continued…
FARM LOCATION
PARTICULAR BETAG LONGLONG
TOTAL
F % F % F %
Highest educational level
Elementary graduate 18
22.5
6
7.5
24
30.0
Secondary
graduate
25 31.2
11 13.8
36 45.0
College graduate
16
20.0
3
3.8
19
23.8
Post-graduate
1
1.2
0
.0
1
1.2
TOTAL 60
75.5
20
25.0
80

100
Years in farming
1-5 years

33
41.2
6
7.5
39
48.8
6-10
years
14
17.5
8 10.0
22
27.5
11-15 years
8
10.0
1
1.2
9
11.2
16-20 years
3
3.8
1
1.2
4
5.0
21 years and above 2
2.5
4
5.0
6
7.5
TOTAL


60
75.5 20
25.0
80
100
Total farm size (sq. m.)
100-500 sq. m
29
36.2
2
2.5
31
31.8
600-1000
sq.
m 28 35.0
10 12.5
38 47.5
1100-1500 sq. m
1
1.2
1
1.2
2
2.5

1600-2000 sq. m
1
1.2
2
2.5
3
3.8
2100-2500 sq. m
1
1.2
0
.0
1
1.2
2600 sq. m and above 0
.0
5
6.2
5
6.2
TOTAL


60
75.5 20
25.0
80
100







Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

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Strawberry Farming as a Major
for Additional Source of Income
for Respondents

Table 2 shows that strawberry faming is the major source of income of most
(73.8%) respondents and (26.2%) stated that strawberry farming is just their additional
source of income. Out of 59 respondents having strawberry farming as a major source of
income, 48.8% have been farming for only five years or less and (47.5%) working with
600-1000 sq. m farm size. Out of 21 respondents who stated that strawberry farming is
their additional source of income, 10% of them have also been farming for five years or
less and (12.5%) working on a 100-500 sq. m farm size.
A chi-square coefficient of 0.006 for the relation between years of farming and
strawberry as a major or additional source of income reveals a significant difference
between responses. This is because a majority of respondents with less than ten years of
farming have strawberry farming as their major source of income while most of
respondents with more than 21 years of farming experience only have strawberry farming
as an additional source of income.
A chi-square coefficient of 0.440 reveals no significant difference in responses
whether strawberry farming is a major or additional source of income across farm size
operated. The results imply that most respondents with lesser farm size rely on strawberry
farming as their major source of livelihood and hence, farm income is sensitive to
whatever decisions and actions they take on their farming endeavors.




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Table 2. Strawberry farming as major or additional source of income for respondents

STRAWBERRY FARMING AS A STRAWBERRY FARMING AS A TOTAL
MAJOR SOURCE OF INCOME
ADDITIONAL SOURCE OF INCOME
PARTICULAR
F
%

F
%
F% %
Years of farming
< 5

31
38.8

8
10.0
39 48.8
6-10
18
22.5

4
5.0

22 27.5
11-15
5
6.2


4
5.0

9 11.2
16-20
4
5.0


0
.0

4 5.0
21-up
1
1.2


5
6.2

6 7.5
TOTAL

59
73.8
21
26.2
80 100










χ²=.006
Farm size (sq. m)

100-500
21
26.2

10
12.5
31 38.3
600-1000
30
37.5

8
10.0
38 47.5
1100-1500
2
2.5

0
.0

2 2.5
1600-2000
1
1.2

2
2.5

3 3.8
2100-2500
1
1.2

0
.0

1 1.2
2600 up
4
5.0

1
1.2

5 6.2
TOTAL

59
73.8
21
26.2
80 100









χ²=.440


Other Sources of Income for Respondents

Vegetable farming is the other source of income of most (43.5%) respondents as
shown in Table 3. A much lesser number of respondents sources of income from other
endeavor.

Out of 20 respondents whose other sources of income is vegetable farming,
11(23.9%) are farming for five years and below and 14(30.2%) has a farm size of 100-
500 sq. m. The Chi-square test which is .004, which is lesser than .05, implies that there
are significant differences between the years of farming and other sources of income.
This is because a majority of respondents with less than fifteen years of farming
experience have vegetable farming as their other source of income and most of
respondents with more than sixteen years of farming experience have a source of income
from other endeavors.
Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

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17

able 3. Other sources of income for respondents
OTHER SOURCES OF INCOME


VEGETABLE FARMING EMPLOYEES VENDING/SELLING WAGE EARNER DRIVING SPORTS COACH TOTAL
PARTICULAR
F
%
F
%
F
%

F
%
F
%
F
%
F
%

Years of farming
< 5

11 23.9
0
.0
1
2.2

12 26.1
0
.0
0
.0
24
52.2
6-10
4 8.7
1
2.2
0
.0

3
6.5
0
.0
1
2.2
9
19.6
11-15
3 6.5
1
2.2
1
2.2

1
2.2
0
.0 0
.0
6
13.0
16-20
0
.0
0
.0
0
.0

1
2.2
1 2.2
0
.0
2
4.3
21- Up
2 4.3
2
4.3
0
.0

1
2.2
0
.0 0
.0
5
10.9
TOTAL

20 43.5
4
8.7
2
4.3

18 39.1
1 2.2
1
2.2
46
100
χ²=.004
Farm size (sq. m)
100-500
14 30.4
1
2.2
0
.0

8
17.4 0
.0 1 2.2
24
52.2
600-1000
3
6.5
3
6.5
2
4.3

10
21.7 1
2.2 0 .0
19
41.3
1100-1500
2
4.3
0
.0
0
.0

0
.0 0 .0 0 .0
2
4.3
2600 up
1
2.2
0
.0
0
.0

0
.0 0 .0
0 .0
1
2.2
TOTAL
20 43.5
4
8.7
2
4.3

18
39.1 1 2.2 1 2.2
46
100
















χ²=.373

*multiple response
Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

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18

Concept of Organic Farming to Respondents
Table 4 presents the concept of organic farming in the point of view of strawberry
farmers. Thirty three (41.2%) of respondents define farming as farming without the use
of commercial pesticides and fertilizers and another 31(38.8%) see organic as farming
that minimizes the use of synthetic chemicals. Overall 64(80%) believe that organic
farming is farming without/minimizes the use of synthetic chemicals and fertilizers more
than anything else.

There were no significant differences between the responses and their concept on
organic farming as shown by the computed chi-square being greater than 0.05.
This implies that the farmers have limited understanding of what organic farming
is, as organic farming defined by Wikipedia (2009) is a form of agriculture that relies
on crop rotation, green manure, compost, biological pest control and mechanical
cultivation etc…to maintain soil productivity and control pests, excluding or strictly
limiting the use of synthetic fertilizers and synthetic pesticides as compared to what the
respondents say that organic farming is simply the non-use or limitation of the use of
commercial pesticides and fertilizers.



Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

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19

Table 4. Concept of organic farming to respondents

DEFINITION ON ORGANIC FARMING
FARMING WITHOUT THE FARMING WITH THE FARMING WITH THE
FARMING THAT MINIMIZES
TOTAL
USE OF COMMERCIAL
USE OF ORGANIC
USE OF ORGANIC
THE USE OF SYNTHETIC
PESTICIDES AND
FERTILIZERS ONLY
PESTICIDES ONLY
CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
FERTILIZERS

PARTICULAR F
%
F
%
F
%
F
%
F
%
Sex
Female
13
16.2 5
6.2
0
.0

9
11.2

27
33.8
Male
20
25.0


9
11.2
2 2.5
22
27.5
53
66.2

TOTAL 33
41.2
14
17.5
2 2.5
31
38.8
80
100















χ²=.610
Highest educational attainment
Elementary
10
12.5
2 2.5
0

.0
12
15.0
24
30.0
Secondary
16
20.0
6 7.5
2 2.5
12
15.0
36
45.0
College
6
7.5
6
7.5

0
.0

7
8.8

19
23.8
Post-graduate
1
1.2
0
.0

0
.0

0
.0

1
1.2
TOTAL

33
41.2
14 17.5

2
2.5

31
38.8

80
100















χ²=.460
Civil Status
Single


8
10.0


4
5.0
1 1.2
11
13.8
24
30.0
Married
24
30.0
10 12.5

1
1.2

19
23.8

54
67.5
Separated
1
1.2
0
.0

0
.0

1
1.2

2
2.5
TOTAL

33
41.2
14 17.5

2
2.5

31
38.8

80
100















χ²=.930

Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

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20

Table 4 continued…

DEFINITION ON ORGANIC FARMING
FARMING WITHOUT THE
FARMING WITH THE
FARMING WITH THE
FARMING THAT MINIMIZES
TOTAL
USE OF COMMERCIAL

USE OF ORGANIC
USE OF ORGANIC
THE USE OF SYNTHETIC
PESTICIDES AND

FERTILIZERS ONLY
PESTICIDES ONLY
CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
FERTILIZERS
PARTICULAR
F
%


F
%

F
%

F
%

F %
Farm size (sq. m)
100-500
17
21.2

5
6.2

0
.0

9
11.2
31 38.8
600-1000
11
13.8

6
7.5

2
2.5

19
23.8
38 47.5
1100-1500
0
.0


2
2.5

0
.0

0
.0

2 2.5
1600-2000
2
2.5


1
1.2

0
.0

0
.0

3 3.8
2100-2500
0
.0


0
.0

0
.0

1
1.2

1 1.2
> 2600
3
3.8


0
.0

0
.0

2
2.5

5 6.2
TOTAL

33 41.2


14 17.5

2
2.5

31 38.8

80 100















χ²=.125
Years in farming
> 5

18
22.5

8
10.0
2
2.5

11
13.8
39 48.8
6-10
9
11.2

3
3.8
0
.0

10
12.5
22 27.5
11-15
3
3.8

2
2.5
0
.0

4
5.0
9 11.2
16-20
0
.0


0
.0
0
.0

4
5.0
4 5.0
21-up
3
3.8

1
1.2
0
.0

2
2.5
6 7.5
TOTAL
33
41.2

14
17.5
2
2.5

31
38.8
80 100
















χ²=.54
Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

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21

Knowledge on Organic Farming
Table 5 presents the knowledge of respondents on organic farming as to pest’s
management and soil fertilization. Overall, farmers claim to have moderate knowledge
that organic farming is effective in pest control and high knowledge that organic farming
is effective in soil fertilization.
For all the computed chi-square coefficients which are all greater than 0.05,
except one, signifying that there are no significant difference in level of knowledge as to
organic farming effects on pests management and soil fertilization.
The chi-square coefficient of 0.022 for effectiveness of organic farming in pest
control based on years of farming means that there is a 97.7 % certainty of the differences
in level of knowledge within this category. Those faming for less than 20 years claim to
have moderate knowledge on the effectivity of organic farming on pest control while
those with more than 21 years of farming experience claim to have a low knowledge on
this aspect.
Results indicate that farmers are certain of the contribution of organic farming to
soil fertilization but uncertain as to the contribution of organic farming to pest
management.
Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

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22

Table 5. Knowledge on organic farming


ORGANIC FARMING IS EFFECTIVE IN
ORGANIC FARMING IS
PEST CONTROL
EFFECTIVE IN SOIL

FERTILIZATION
PARTICULAR
AVERAGE DESCRIPTION
AVERAGE DESCRIPTION
Age



Below 25
2.83
Moderate knowledge
3.75
High
26-30
2.82
Moderate knowledge
4.23
Very high
31-35
2.5
Low knowledge
3.64
High
36-40
2.67
Moderate knowledge 3.89
High
41-45
1.25
Low knowledge
3.9
High
46-50
2.78
Moderate knowledge
4.33
Very high
51 -up
3.00
Moderate knowledge
4.00
Very high
TOTAL 2.71
Moderate
knowledge
3.94
High

χ²=.285
χ²=.269
Sex



Female
2.62
Moderate knowledge
3.89
High
Male
2.75
Moderate knowledge
3.96
High
TOTAL
2.71
Moderate knowledge
3.94
High

χ²=.258
χ²=.322
Highest educational level



Elementary
2.75
Moderate knowledge
3.91
High
Secondary
2.61
Moderate knowledge
3.9
High
College
2.79
Moderate knowledge
4.00
High
Post-graduate
3.00
Moderate knowledge
4.00
High
TOTAL
2.71
Moderate knowledge
3.94
High

χ²=.634
χ²=.841
Civil status




High
Single
2.71
Moderate knowledge
4.00
Married
2.72
Moderate knowledge
3.90
High
Separated
2.5
Low knowledge
4.00
High
TOTAL
2.71
Moderate knowledge
3.94
High

χ²=.740
χ²=.625

Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

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23

Table 5 continued…




ORGANIC FARMING IS EFFECTIVE IN
ORGANIC FARMING IS EFFECTIVE
PEST
CONTROL
IN
SOIL
FERTILIZATION
PARTICULAR AVERAGE DESCRIPTION

AVERAGE
DESCRIPTION
Farm size (sq. m)
100-500 2.81
moderate
knowledge
3.81
high

600-100 2.21
low
knowledge 4.11
high
1100-1500
2.00
low
knowledge 3.50
high
1600-2000
1.67
no
knowledge
4.00
high
2100-2500
3.00
moderate
knowledge
4.00
high
2600
–up
2.41
low
knowledge 3.00
high
TOTAL 2.71
moderate
knowledge
3.94
high



χ²=.151 χ²=.680
Years in farming
5
and
below
2.79
moderate
knowledge
3.90
high
6-10
2.73

moderate
knowledge
3.95
high
11-15
3.67

moderate
knowledge
4.00

high
16-20
3.25

moderate
knowledge
2.25

high
21
–up
2.33
low
knowledge 4.67
very
high
TOTAL 2.71
moderate
knowledge
3.9
high


χ²=.022
χ²=.935

1-1.7=no knowledge
1.8-2.5=low knowledge
2.6-3.3=moderate knowledge
3.4-4.1= high knowledge
4.2-5.0=very high knowledge











Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

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24

Sources of Information on Organic Farming

Table 6 shows the sources of information of the respondents on organic farming. Out of
80 respondents, 44(55%) have the source of information organic farming from radio programs.
fellow farmers (38.75%), DA Technicians (35%), seminars and trainings (21.25%), reading
materials (17.5%) and less information in organizations (3.75%).

Among the 44 respondents whose source of information for organic farming is radio
programs, most are 26-35 years old, married and farming for less than 10 years with a farm area
lesser than 1000 sq. m. Results indicate that more farmers source of information on organic
farming from radio programs. However, DA Technicians, trainings and seminars as well as
reading materials are other sources of information by the farmers although not a lot of them have
acquired these. This could be explained by the fact that radio programs constantly provide
information and are readily accessible while DA Technicians and trainings and seminars are
relatively not always accessible.

It also shows that it is the younger ones and married farmers who tend to acquire
knowledge on organic farming from radio programs.
Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

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25

Table 6. Sources of information on organic farming

DA
RADIO

FELLOW
READING
NEIGHBORS
ORGANIZATIONS
SEMINARS/
TOTAL
TECHNICIAN PROGRAMS
FARMER’S
MATERIALS & RELATIVES



TRAININGS
PARTICULAR F
%
F
% F
% F %
F
%
F
%
F
%
F
%
Age
< 25 4
5.0
6
7.5
5
6.25 4
5.0
2
2.5
0
.0
2
2.5
23
28.8
26-30 3
3.8
12
5.0
7
8.75 2
2.5
1
1.25 0
.0
5
6.25 30
37.5
31-35 4
5.0
10 12.5
6
7.5
4
5.0
1
1.25 0
.0
3
3.75 28
35.0
36-40 5
6.25 3
3.75 2
2.5
2
2.5
1
1.25 1
1.25 1
1.25 15
18.75
41-45 6
7.5
5
6.25 5
6.25 1
1.25 0
.0
1
1.25 5
1.25 23
28.8
46-50 3
3.75 5
6.25 3
3.75 1
1.25 1
1.25 1
1.25 1
1.25 15
18.75
51-up 3
3.75 3
3.75 0
.0
1
1.25 0
.0
0
.0
0
.0
10
12.5
TOTAL
28 35.0 44 55.0 31 38.75 14 17.5 7
8.75 3
3.75 17
21.25 144


Sex
Female 7
8.75 18
22.5 6
7.5
5
6.25 3
3.75 1
1.25 5
6.25 45
56.25
Male 21
26.25 26
32.5 25
31.25 9
11.25 4
5.0
2
2.5
12
15.0 99 123.8
TOTAL
28 35.0
44 55.0 31 38.75 14 17.5 7
8.75 3
3.75 17 21.25 144

Civil status
Single
7
8.75 16
20.0 10
12.5 6
7.5 3
2.5
1
1.25 2
2.5
45
56.25
Married 20
25.0 28
35.0 21
26.25 8
10.0 4
5.0
2
2.5
14
7.5
97
121.2
Separated 1
1.25 0
.0 0
.0 0
.0 0
.0
0
.0
1
1.25 2
2.5
TOTAL
28 35.0 44 55.0 31 38.75 14 17.5 7
8.75 3
3.75 17 21.25 144




Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

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26

Table 6 continued…

DA
RADIO
FELLOW
READING
NEIGHBORS ORGANIZATIONS
SEMINARS/
TOTAL
TECHNICIAN PROGRAMS FARMER’S
MATERIALS & RELATIVES


TRAININGS
PARTICULAR F
%
F
% F
% F %
F
%
F
%
F
%
F
%
Highest educational level
Elementary 12 15.0 11
13.8 9
11.25 2
2.5 5
6.25 1
1.25 4
5.0
44
55.0
Secondary 11 13.8 21
26.25 12
15.0 2
2.5 2
2.5
1
1.25 7
8.75 56
70.0
College
5 6.25 11
13.8 9
11.25 10
12.5 0
.0
1
1.25 6
7.5
42
52.5
Post-graduate 0 .0 1
1.25 1
1.25 0
.0 0
.0
0
.0
0
.0
2
2.5
TOTAL



28 35.0 44 55.0 31 38.75 14 17.5 7
8.75 3
3.75 17 21.25 144

Years in farming
< 5 13 16.25 20
25.0 15
18.75 9
11.25 6
7.5
0
.0
8
10.0 71
88.75
6-10 4 5.0
18
22.5 9
11.25 2
2.5
1
1.25 2
2.5
3
3.75 39
48.75
11-15 4 5.0
3
3.75 3
3.75 1
1.25 0
.0
1
1.25 3
3.75 15
18.75

16-20 2 2.5
2
2.5
2
2.5
1
1.25 0
.0
0
.0
0
.0
7
8.75

21-up 5 6.25 1
1.25 2
2.5
1
1.25 0
.0
0
.0
3
3.75 12
15.0
TOTAL


28 35.0 44 55.0 31 38.75 14 17.5 7
8.75 3
3.75 17 21.25 144

Farm size (sq. m)
100-500 10 12.51 21
26.25 13
16.25 7
8.75 5
6.25 2
2.5
5
6.25 63
78.75
600-100 13 16.25 18
22.5 13
16.25 6
7.5
2
2.5
0
.0
10
12.5 62
77.5
1 1100-1500 1 1.25 1
1.25 2
2.5 0
.0
0
.0
1
1.25 0
.0 5
6.25
1600-2000 2 2.5 1
1.25 2
2.5 0
.0
0
.0
0
.0
1
1.25 6
7.5
2100-2500 0 .0 1
1.25 0
.0 1
1.25 0
.0
0
.0
0
.0 2
2.5
2600 –up 2 2.5 2
2.5
1
1.25 0
.0
0
.0
0
.0
1
1.25 6
7.5
TOTAL
28 35.0 44
55.0 31
38.75 14 17.5 7 8.75
3
3.75 17
21.25 144


*multiple response
Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

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27

Perceptions on Organic Farming: Technical Aspects

Table 7, 8, 9 shows the farmers perception on the technical aspects of organic
farming. As to soil management, chi-square coefficients indicate no significant difference
in responses of farmers. The respondents fully agree that farm wastes can be processed
into fertilizer, that unprocessed animal waste can be readily/directly applied to the soil,
that soil microorganisms are more active in soils applied with organic fertilizer than
applied synthetic, and that organic fertilizers improve the physio-chemical characteristics
of the soil.

A full agreement to some soil management concepts in organic farming should
indicate high knowledge on this subject. However, the respondents fully agreed to the
idea that unprocessed animal wastes could be applied directly to the soil. This idea is not
a recommended activity under organic farming and these indicates the lack of
information or knowledge of the respondents on some aspects of soil management under
organic farming.

As to the efficiency and productivity of organic farming (Table 8) , the chi-square
coefficients indicates no significant difference in responses of farmers, the respondents
are neutral whether organic farming has a very slow effect on crops performances.
Results indicate that farmers are uncertain to the efficiency and productivity of organic
farming.

Respondents mostly agree to the time requirement of organic farming that it takes
3-5 years for a farm to convert from conventional to organic faming (Table 9).
The chi-square coefficients for age (χ²=0.038) and for years of farming
(χ²=0.007), indicates a significant difference in level of agreement across these
Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

---

28

demographic variables, whereas most of the respondents do mostly agree that it takes 3-5
years for a farm to convert into organic, the middle-aged (36-40 years old) respondents
and those who have been farming for 11-15 years fully agree to this.

Results imply a difference in level of knowledge in terms of time requirement for
organic conversion between the age groups with the middle age groups being more
certain of these numbers of years it take to convert to organic farming.
Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

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29

Table 7. Perception on organic farming: technical aspects (soil management)

FARM WASTES CAN ANIMAL WASTE SOIL MICROORGANISM ARE MORE
ORGANIC FERTILIZERS IMPROVE
BE, PROCESSED (UNPROCESSED) CAN BE
ACTIVE IN SOILS APPLIED

THE PHYSIO-CHEMICAL
AS FERTILIZER DIRECTLY APPLIED
WITH ORGANIC FERTILIZER

CHARACTERISTICS


TO THE SOIL

THAN APPLIED SYNTHETIC

OF THE SOIL
PARTICULAR AVE. DESCRIPTION AVE. DESCRIPTION AVE. DESCRIPTION
AVE.
DESCRIPTION
Age

< 25

4.33 fully agree
3.67 mostly agree
4.25 fully agree

4.08 mostly agree
26-30

4.82 fully agree
4.00 mostly agree
4.53 fully agree

4.59 fully agree
31-35

4.57 fully agree
4.28 fully agree

4.43 fully agree

4.28 fully agree
36-40

4.88 fully agree
4.33 fully agree

4.56 fully agree

4.78 fully agree
41-45

4.67 fully agree
4.33 fully agree

4.17 mostly agree
4.40 fully agree

46-50

4.78 fully agree
3.89 mostly agree
4.67 fully agree

4.67 fully agree
51- up

4.36 fully agree
4.57 fully agree

4.14 mostly agree
4.43 fully agree
TOTAL

4.69 fully agree
4.21 fully agree
4.43 fully agree


4.44 fully agree

χ²=. 311

χ²=.655 χ²=.365 χ²=.386
Sex
Female
4.67 fully agree
4.04 fully agree

4.40 fully agree

4.48 fully agree
Male

4.69 fully agree
4.30 fully agree

4.42 fully agree

4.40 fully agree
TOTAL

4.69 fully
agree 4.21 fully
agree
4.43 fully
agree
4.44 fully
agree



χ²=.311 χ²=.390 χ²=.577 χ²=.884
Highest educational level
Elementary
4.67 fully agree

4.45 fully agree

4.42 fully agree


Secondary
4.72 fully agree

4.11 mostly agree
4.39 fully agree
College

4.74 fully agree

4.05 fully agree

4.47 fully agree
Post-graduate
5.0
fully agree

5.0
fully agree

5.0
fully agree
TOTAL 4.69
fully
agree
4.21
fully
agree
4.43
fully
agree



χ²=.687 χ²=.517 χ²=.920


Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

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30

Table 7 continued…

FARM WASTES CAN
ANIMAL WASTE
SOIL MICROORGANISM ARE MORE
ORGANIC FERTILIZERS IMPROVE
BE PROCESSED (UNPROCESSED) CAN BE
ACTIVE IN SOILS APPLIED

THE
PHYSIO-CHEMICAL
AS FERTILIZER
DIRECTLY APPLIED
WITH ORGANIC FERTILIZER

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SOIL
TO
THE
SOIL
THAN
APPLIED
SYNTHETIC
PARTICULAR
AVE. DESCRIPTION
AVE. DESCRIPTION
AVE. DESCRIPTION AVE. DESCRIPTION
Civil status
Single

4.54 fully agree

4.21 fully agree

4.33 fully agree
4.29 fully agree
Married
4.79 fully agree

4.26 fully agree

4.36 fully agree
4.5 fully agree
Separated
4.50 fully agree

3.0
fully agree

4.50 fully agree
4.0 mostly agree
TOTAL

4.69 fully agree

4.21 neutral
4.43 fully agree
4.44 fully agree



χ²=.337 χ²=.171 χ²=.968

χ²=.113
Farm size (sq. m)
100-500

4.47 fully agree
4.13 fully agree

4.42 fully agree

4.4
fully agree
600-100

4.68 fully agree
4.37 fully agree

4.45 fully agree

4.53 fully agree
1100-1500
4.0
mostly agree 4.0
mostly agree
4.0
mostly agree
4.0
mostly agree
1600-2000
4.67 fully agree
4.33 fully agree

4.67 fully agree

4.33 fully agree
2100-2500
5.0
fully agree
5.0
fully agree

4.0
mostly agree
5.0
fully agree
2600 –up

4.6
fully agree
3.4
mostly agree
4.4
fully agree

4.0
mostly agree
TOTAL

4.69 fully
agree 4.21 fully
agree
4.43 fully
agree
4.44 fully
agree



χ²=.723 χ²=.204 χ²=.809 χ²=.088
Years in farming

< 5
4.64 fully agree
4.0
mostly agree
4.31 fully agree

4.33 fully agree

6-10
4.68 fully agree
4.55 fully agree

4.3
fully agree

4.50 fully agree
11-15
4.67
fully
agree
4.11
mostly
agree
4.78
fully
agree
4.44
fully
agree

16-20
5.0
fully agree
5.0
fully agree

5.0
fully agree

5.0
fully agree

21 –up
4.83 fully agree
4.67 fully agree

4.67 fully agree

4.67 fully agree
TOTAL

4.69 fully
agree 4.21 fully
agree
4.43 fully
agree
4.44 fully
agree



χ²=.903 χ²=.392 χ²=.406 χ²=.896
Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

---

31

Table 8. Perception on organic farming: technical aspects (efficiency and productivity)

ORGANIC FARMING HAS A VERY SLOW EFFECT ON THE CROPS PERFORMANCES
PARTICULAR
AVERAGE DESCRIPTION
Age
<
25
3.5
mostly
agree
26-30
2.82
neutral
31-35
3.57
mostly
agree
36-40
3.11
mostly
agree
41-45
2.75
neutral
46-50
4.11
mostly
agree

>
51
3.14
mostly
agree
TOTAL 3.25
neutral




χ²=.289
Sex
Female
3.44
mostly
agree

Male
3.15

neutral
TOTAL 3.25

neutral




χ²=.227
Civil status


Single
3.29
neutral
Married 3.22

neutral
Separated
3.5
mostly
agree
TOTAL 3.25
neutral
χ²=.533
Farm size (sq. m)
100-500 3.5
mostly
agree
600-100 2.95

neutral
1100-1500
3.5
mostly
agree
1600-2000
4.0
mostly
agree
2100-2500
4.0
mostly
agree
2600-up 3.0
neutral
TOTAL 3.25
neutral
χ²=.292
Years in farming
5
and
below
3.5
mostly
agree
6-10
3.18
neutral
11-15
3.22
neutral
16-20
1.25
fully
agree
21-up
3.17
neutral
TOTAL 3.251
neutral
χ²=.083



Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

---

32

Table 9. Perception on organic farming: technical aspects( time requirement)

THE CONVERSION FOR ORGANIC FARMING IS 3-5 YEARS
PARTICULAR AVERAGE
DESCRIPTION
Age
<
25
3.17
neutral
26-30
3.94
mostly
agree
31-35
3.78
mostly
agree
36-40
4.11
fully
agree
41-45
3.83
mostly
agree
46-50
3.56
mostly
agree
51-up
3.71
mostly
agree
TOTAL 3.68
mostly
agree


χ²=.038
Sex
Female
3.59
mostly
agree
Male
3.72

mostly
agree
TOTAL 3.6

mostly
agree


χ²=.689
Highest educational level
Elementary
3.71
mostly
agree
Secondary
3.64

mostly
agree
College 3.68

mostly
agree
Post-graduate
4.0

mostly
agree
TOTAL 3.68


mostly
agree





χ²=.756
Civil status
Single
3.17
neutral
Married 3.70
mostly
agree
Separated
4.0
mostly
agree
TOTAL 3.6

mostly
agree

χ²=.406
Years in farming
<
5
3.38
mostly
agree
6-10
3.77

mostly
agree
11-15
4.33
fully
agree
16-20
4.0

mostly
agree
21
–up
4.0

mostly
agree
TOTAL 3.68

mostly
agree

χ²=.007

1-1.7=fully
disagree
3.4-4.1=
mostly
agree

1.8-2.5=mostly disagree
4.2-5.0=fully agree
2.6-3.3=neutral
Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

---

33

Perceptions on Organic Farming: Socio-economic Aspects

Table 10, 11, and 12 shows the farmers perception on the socio-economic
aspects of organic farming. It shows that at an average, respondents mostly disagree to
the idea that organic farming is expensive and that an optimum production level is
obtained with organic farming. That is because they also most agree that lower yield is
obtained with organic farming during conversion period. Respondents are however
neutral with the idea that conversion to organic farming does not give economic rewards
to farmers. Respondents fully agree that preparation of organic input is laborious and
time-consuming and mostly agree that land/ use farm resources is maximized with
organic farming. Likewise mostly agree that organically produced products demands
higher price and is hard to sell. These collaborated to the statement of Leo (2009) that the
cost of organically produced products is very often 50-100 percent more than the
traditional food.
For the idea that organic farming is expensive, (Table 10) the chi-square
coefficient of 0.003 indicates a significant difference in the demographic variable civil
status. It shows that while other groups mostly disagree to the idea, the respondents with
a civil status of separated fully agree to this concept.

For the idea that optimum production levels are obtained with organic farming,
the chi-square coefficient is 0.031 indicating a significant difference in level of
agreement across the demographic grouping by farm size. The data shows that while
those farming in size less than 1000 sq. m or more than 2600 sq. m mostly disagree to
this idea, those with areas from 1100-1500 sq. m. mostly agree, those with 1600-2000 sq.
m. are neutral to the idea, and those with 2100-2500 sq. m. fully agree to the idea.
Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

---

34

The
results
indicate
varying levels of certainty among the respondents on the idea
of optimum productivity through organic farming with those farmers operating an area
between 1100-2500 sq. m. either being neutral to this idea or in agreement to this idea.

A chi-square of .001 for the relation between civil status and conversion to
organic farming does not give economic rewards to farmers reveals a significant
difference between responses. This is because respondents that are single and married
were neutral while those who are separated mostly disagree to this idea.

For the idea that preparation of organic framing is laborious and time consuming,
Table 11 the chi-square coefficient is .003 indicating a significant difference in level of
agreement across the demographic variable civil status. It shows that while other groups
mostly agree to the idea, the respondents with civil status of single fully agree.

A chi-square coefficient of .000, (Table 12) reveals a significant difference
between farm size and perception of respondents on organically produced products
demands higher price. It shows that while other groups mostly agree to the idea, the
respondents with 100-500 sq. m. and 1600-2500 farm size fully agree to the idea.
Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

---

35

Table 10. Perception on organic farming: socio-economic aspects (costs and production)

ORGANIC FARMING
LOWER YIELD IS OBTAINED
OPTIMUM PRODUCTION
CONVERSION TO ORGANIC
IS EXPENSIVE

WITH ORGANIC FARMING
LEVEL IS OBTAINED WITH
FARMING DOES NOT GIVE





DURING THE CONVERSION PERIOD ORGANIC FARMING
ECONOMIC REWARDS TO FARMERS
PARTICULAR
AVE.
DESCRIPTION
AVE. DESCRIPTION
AVE. DESCRIPTION
AVE.
DESCRIPTION
AGE
< 25
2.33 mostly disagree
3.58 mostly agree 2.9 neutral

2.08 mostly disagree
26-30

1.89 mostly
disagree
3.94 mostly
agree
2.24 mostly disagree
3.12 neutral


31-35
2.29 mostly disagree
3.64 mostly agree 3.36 mostly agree
3.29 neutral
36-40
2.11 mostly disagree
4.22 fully agree
2.11 neutral

3.89 mostly agree
41-45
1.75 mostly disagree
4.08 mostly agree 2.0 mostly disagree
2.83 neutral


46-50
1.88 mostly disagree
4.11 mostly agree 1.89 mostly disagree
3.55 mostly agree
51 –up
2.29 mostly disagree
3.71 mostly agree 2.43 mostly disagree
3.28 neutral
TOTAL

2.06 mostly
disagree
3.89 mostly
agree 2.48 mostly agree
3.09 neutral
χ²=.449 χ²=.525

χ²=.229 χ²=.196
Sex

Female
2.33 mostly disagree
3.93 mostly agree 2.48 mostly disagree
3.15 neutral



Male
1.93 mostly disagree
3.87 mostly agree 2.47 mostly disagree
3.06 neutral
TOTAL

2.06 mostly
disagree
3.89 mostly
agree 2.48 mostly disagree
3.09 neutral
χ²=.746 χ²=.426
χ²=.939 χ²=.754
Highest educational level

Elementary
2.13 mostly disagree
4.0
mostly agree 2.21 mostly disagree
3.0
neutral

Secondary 1.83 mostly
disagree
3.97 mostly
agree 2.47 mostly disagree
3.25 neutral

College
2.47 mostly disagree
3.58 mostly agree 2.89 neutral

2.84 neutral

Post-graduate 1.0
fully disagree
4.0
mostly agree 1.0 fully disagree
4.0
mostly agree
TOTAL

2.06 mostly
disagree
3.89 mostly
agree 2.48 mostly disagree
3.09 neutral
χ²=.533 χ²=.472

χ²=.816 χ²=.103




Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

---

36

Table 10 continued…

ORGANIC FARMING
LOWER YIELD IS OBTAINED
OPTIMUM PRODUCTION
CONVERSION TO ORGANIC
IS EXPENSIVE

WITH ORGANIC FARMING
LEVEL IS OBTAINED WITH
FARMING DOES NOT GIVE





DURING THE CONVERSION PERIOD
ORGANIC FARMING
ECONOMIC REWARDS TO FARMERS
PARTICULAR
AVE.
DESCRIPTION
AVE. DESCRIPTION
AVE. DESCRIPTION
AVE.
DESCRIPTION
CIVIL STATUS
Single
1.96
mostly
disagree 3.88
mostly
agree 2.5 mostly disagree
3.0
neutral

Married
2.0
mostly disagree
3.93 mostly disagree 2.0 mostly disagree
3.15 neutral
Separated
4.5
fully
disagree
3.0
neutral
4.5 fully agree

2.5
mostly disagree
TOTAL

2.06 mostly
disagree
3.89 mostly
agree 2.48 mostly disagree
3.09 neutral
χ²=.003 χ²=.197

χ²=.076 χ²=.001
Farm area (sq. m)

100-500
1.87 mostly disagree
4.03 fully agree
2.32 mostly disagree
3.19 neutral

600-100
2.03 mostly disagree
3.8
mostly agree 2.5 mostly disagree
2.95 neutral

1100-1500 4.0
mostly
disagree 4.0 mostly
agree 3.5 mostly agree
3.0
neutral
1600-2000
2.67
neutral
3.67
mostly
agree


2.67
neutral
3.0
neutral


2100-2500
1.0
fully disagree
3.0
neutral
5.0 fully agree

4.0
mostly agree


2600 –up
2.6
neutral

3.8
mostly agree 2.2 mostly disagree
3.4
mostly agree
TOTAL

2.06 mostly
disagree
3.89 mostly
agree 2.48 mostly disagree
3.09 neutral
χ²=.475 χ²=.177

χ²=.031 χ²=.535
Years in farming

< 5

1.90 mostly disagree
3.90 mostly agree 2.33 mostly disagree
3.08 neutral

6-10
2.09 mostly disagree
3.77 mostly agree 2.73 neutral

3.18 neutral

11-15
2.78 mostly disagree
4.0
mostly agree 2.89 neutral

3.0
neutral

16-20
2.5
mostly disagree
4.0
mostly agree 1.75 mostly disagree
3.0
neutral

21 –up
1.67 full disagree
4.0
mostly agree 2.33 mostly disagree
3.0
neutral
TOTAL

2.06 mostly
disagree
3.89 mostly
agree 2.48 mostly disagree
3.09 neutral



χ²=.575 χ²=.725

χ²=.353 χ²=.458
Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

---

37

Table 11. Perception on organic farming: socio-economic aspects (efficiency in
preparation and resource maximization in organic farming)

PREPARATION OF ORGANIC INPUT
LAND/USE FARM RESOURCES
IS LABORIOUS
IS MAXIMIZED WITH
AND TIME CONSUMING
ORGANIC FARMING


PARTICULAR AVE. DESCRIPTION
AVE. DESCRIPTION
Age
< 25
4.08 mostly agree
3.9
mostly agree
26-30
4.29
fully
agree
4.47
fully
agree
31-35
4.2
fully
agree
3.92
mostly
agree
36-40
4.44
fully
agree
4.22
mostly
agree
41-45
4.0
mostly
agree
3.9
mostly
agree
46-50
4.33
fully
agree
4.22
fully
agree
51 –up
4.14 mostly agree
4.0
mostly agree
TOTAL 4.2
fully
agree
4.11
mostly
agree
χ²=.919 χ²=.477
Sex
Female
4.24
fully
agree

Male
4.20
fully
agree
TOTAL 4.2
fully
agree
χ²=.573
Civil status

Single
4.08
fully
agree
4.17
fully
agree
Married 4.13
mostly
agree
4.09
mostly
agree

Separated
4.0
mostly
agree
4.0
mostly
agree
TOTAL 4.2
fully
agree
4.11
mostly
agree
χ²=.003 χ²=.530
Farm size (sq. m)

100-500 4.19
fully
agree
4.0
mostly
agree

600-100
4.34 fully agree

4.0
mostly agree
1100-1500
4.0
mostly
agree
4.0
mostly
agree

1600-2000
3.8
mostly agree
3.33 neutral
2100-2500
4.0

mostly
agree
4.0
mostly
agree

2600-up
3.8
mostly agree
4.0
mostly agree
TOTAL

4.2
fully agree

4.11 mostly agree
χ²=.299 χ²=.157
Years in farming

< 5

4.10 mostly agree
4.10 mostly agree
6-10
4.14
mostly
agree
4.05

mostly
agree

11-15
4.56
fully
agree
4.22
mostly
agree
16-20
4.5
fully
agree
4.5
mostly
agree

21 –up
4.5
fully agree

4.0
mostly agree
TOTAL

4.2
fully agree

4.11 mostly agree



χ²=.663 χ²=.447
Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

---

38


Table 12. Perception on organic farming: socio-economic aspects( pricing and demand)

ORGANICALLY PRODUCED PRODUCTS
ORGANICALLY PRODUCT PRODUCED



DEMANDS HIGHER PRICE

IS HARD TO SELL
PARTICULAR
AVE. DESCRIPTION
AVE. DESCRIPTION
Age









< 25
3.58 mostly agree
3.75 mostly agree
26-30
3.88
mostly
agree
3.35
mostly
agree
31-35
4.07

mostly
agree
3.57
mostly
agree
36-40
4.0
mostly agree
3.67 mostly agree
41-45
3.83

mostly
agree
3.58

mostly
agree
46-50
3.89
mostly
agree
3.56
mostly
agree

51 –up
3.86 mostly agree
3.57 mostly agree
TOTAL 3.9
mostly
agree
3.56
mostly
agree
χ²=.634 χ²=.516
Sex
Female
4.04
mostly
agree
3.63
mostly
agree
Male
3.79 mostly agree
3.53 mostly agree
TOTAL

3.9 mostly agree
3.56 mostly agree

χ²=.244 χ²=.146
Highest educational level
Elementary 3.63 mostly
agree 3.58 mostly
agree
Secondary 3.94
mostly
agree 3.6
mostly agree
College
4.05
mostly
agree
3.42 mostly
agree
Post-graduate
4.0
mostly
agree
4.0 mostly
agree
TOTAL 3.9
3.56
mostly
agree
χ²=.289 χ²=.091
Civil status
Single

3.75 mostly
agree 3.67 mostly
agree
Married
3.91
mostly
agree
3.54 mostly
agree

Separated
4.5
mostly agree 3.0
neutral
TOTAL 3.9
3.56
mostly
agree
χ²=.832 χ²=.542
Farm area (sq. m)

100-500
4.16 fully agree
3.6
mostly agree
600-100
3.76 mostly
agree 3.58 mostly
agree
1100-1500
3.5
mostly agree 2.5
mostly disagree

1600-2000 4.33 fully
agree 3.33 mostly
agree

2100-2500 5.0 fully
agree 4.0 mostly
agree
2600-up
3.4
mostly agree 3.6
mostly agree
TOTAL 3.9

mostly
agree
3.56
mostly
agree

χ²=.000


Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

---

39

Perceptions on Organic farming: Environmental/Health Aspects

Table 13 and 14 shows the farmers perception on the environment/health aspects
of organic farming. Most of the farmers fully agree that organic farming produce safer
products, promotes better human and animal health and that organic products are
healthier.

For the concepts that organic farming promotes cleaner/safer environment by
minimizing air, soil and water pollution, organic farming produce safer food products
and organic farming promotes good human and animal health, there chi-square
coefficients are .011, .006, and .026 respectively. This indicates a significant difference in
level of agreement across education level attained. This implies that respondents despite
of the educational attainment attained, either elementary and secondary, college or post
graduate, are still aware or knowledgeable on the health and environmental effects of
organic farming.

A chi-square of .001 (Table 14) implies that there are significant differences
between the farm size and the idea on organic products are healthier because of the
presence of natural nutrients. It shows that while other groups fully agree the respondents
with 1600-2000 sq. m. farm size were neutral and those respondents with 1100-1500
mostly disagree to the idea. The results indicate varying levels of certainty among the
respondents on the idea of organic farming are healthier because of the presence of
natural nutrients with those farmers operating between 1000-2000 sq. m. either being
neutral or in disagreement to the
idea.
Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

---

40

Table 13. Perception on organic farming: environmental/ health aspects (environmentaleffects)




ORGANIC FARMING PROMOTES SOIL FERTILITY IS ENHANCED ORGANIC FARMING
ORGANIC FARMING


CLEANER/SAFER ENVIRONMENT IN ORGANIC FARMING
HELPS BALANCE
PROMOTES SUSTAINABLE
BY
MINIMIZING
AIR,
SOIL, THE
ECOSYSTEM AGRICULTURE
AND
WATER
POLLUTION

PARTICULAR
AVE. DESCRIPTION
AVE. DESCRIPTION
AVE. DESCRIPTION AVE. DESCRIPTION
Age
< 25

4.58 fully agree

4.67 fully agree

4.5
fully agree
4.59 fully agree

26-30
4.76
fully
agree
4.71
fully
agree
4.65
fully
agree
4.65
fully
agree
31-35

4.76 fully agree

4.64 fully agree

4.79 fully agree
4.71 fully agree
36-40
4.56
fully
agree
4.56
fully
agree
4.55
fully
agree
4.44
fully
agree
41-45
4.5
fully
agree
4.33
fully
agree

4.17
fully
agree
4.12

mostly
agree

46-50
4.44
fully
agree
4.44
fully
agree
4.33
fully
agree
4.22
fully
agree
51 –up

4.71 fully agree

4.86 fully agree

4.57 fully agree
4.57 fully agree
TOTAL


4.63 fully agree

4.6
fully agree

4.53 fully agree
4.4
fully agree
χ²=.615 χ²=.226 χ²=.781
Sex
Female
4.48
fully
agree
4.52
fully
agree
4.52
fully
agree
4.52
fully
agree
Male

4.70 fully agree

4.64 fully agree

4.59 fully agree
4.55 fully agree
TOTAL


4.63 fully agree

4.6
fully agree

4.53 fully agree
4.54 fully agree
χ²=.058 χ²=.312 χ²=.087

χ²=.261
Highest educational level
Elementary
4.38
fully
agree
4.38
fully
agree
4.25
fully
agree
4.29
fully
agree

Secondary
4.67
fully
agree
4.69
fully
agree
4.61
fully
agree
4.64
fully
agree

College 4.84
fully
agree
4.68
fully
agree
4.68
fully
agree
4.63
fully
agree

Post-graduate
5.0
fully
agree
5.0
fully
agree
5.0
fully
agree
5.0
fully
agree

TOTAL


χ²=.011 χ²=.283 χ²=.231 χ²=.261




Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

---

41

Table 13. continued…




ORGANIC FARMING PROMOTES SOIL FERTILITY IS ENHANCED
ORGANIC FARMING
ORGANIC FARMING
CLEANER/SAFER
ENVIRONMENT
IN
ORGANIC
FARMING
HELPS BALANCE
PROMOTES SUSTAINABLE
BY
MINIMIZING
AIR,
SOIL, THE
ECOSYSTEM AGRICULTURE
AND
WATER
POLLUTION

PARTICULAR
AVE. DESCRIPTION
AVE.
DESCRIPTION
AVE.
DESCRIPTION AVE. DESCRIPTION
Civil status

Single
4.75 fully agree

4.67 fully agree

4.54 fully agree
4.54 fully agree

Married
4.57 fully agree

4.57 fully agree

4.5
fully agree
4.52 fully agree

Separated
4.5
fully agree

4.50 fully agree

5.0
fully agree
5.0
fully agree

TOTAL

4.63 fully agree

4.6
fully agree

4.53 fully agree
4.54 fully agree
χ²=.312
χ²= .925


χ²=.782 χ²=.810
Farm size (sq. m)


100-500

4.77 fully
agree
4.74 fully
agree 4.65 fully
agree 4.61 fully
agree

600-100

4.53 fully agree

4.5
fully agree
4.42 fully agree
4.42 fully agree

1100-1500

4.5
fully agree

4.5
fully agree
4.5
fully agree
4.5
fully agree

1600-2000

5.0
fully agree

4.33 fully agree
4.33 fully agree
4.6
7fully agree

2100-2500

4.0
fully agree

5.0
fully agree
5.0
fully agree
5.0
fully agree

2600-up

4.4
fully agree

4.6
fully agree
4.6
fully agree
4.8
fully agree
TOTAL


4.67 fully agree

4.6
fully agree
4.53 fully agree
4.54 fully agree
χ²=.312 χ²=.834 χ²=.871 χ²=.926
Years in farming
<
5

4.67
fully
agree
4.44
fully
agree
4.49
fully
agree
6-10
4.5
fully
agree
4.60

fully
agree
4.55
fully
agree
11-15
4.56
fully
agree
4.78
fully
agree
4.67
fully
agree
16-20
4.75
fully
agree
4.75
fully
agree
4.75

fully
agree

21
–up
4.5
fully
agree
4.33
fully
agree
4.5
fully
agree
TOTAL 4.6
fully
agree
4.53
fully
agree
4.54
fully
agree








χ²=.804 χ²=.651 fully agree
χ²=.640
Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

---

42

Table 14. Perception on organic farming: environmental/health aspects (heath effects)


Organic farming
Organic farming
Organic products are

produce safer food
promotes good
healthier because of the

products
human and animal
presence of natural


health
nutrients
PARTICULAR Ave. Description 
Ave. Description 
Ave Description  
Age



< 25
4.67
Fully agree
4.67
Fully agree
4.33
Fully agree
26-30
4.76
Fully agree
4.59
Fully agree
4.47
Fully agree
31-35
4.86
Fully agree
4.86
Fully agree
4.14
Fully agree
36-40
4.67
Fully agree
4.56
Fully agree
4.44
Fully agree
41-45
4.5
Fully agree
4.42
Fully agree
4.33
Fully agree
46-50
4.44
Fully agree
4.44
Fully agree
3.78
Fully agree
51 -up
4.71
Fully agree
4.71
Fully agree
4.43
Fully agree
TOTAL
4.68
Fully agree
4.61
Fully agree
4.29
Fully agree

χ²=.354
χ²=.306
χ²=.613
Sex



Female
4.56
Fully agree
4.52
Fully agree
4.33
Fully agree
Male
4.74
Fully agree
4.66
Fully agree
4.26
Fully agree
TOTAL
4.68
Fully agree
4.61
Fully agree
4.29
Fully agree

χ²=.104
χ²=.218
χ²=.809
Highest educational level





Elementary
4.42
Fully agree
4.38
Fully agree
4.29
Fully agree
Secondary
4.72
Fully agree
4.75
Fully agree
4.25
Fully agree
College
4.89
Fully agree
4.63
Fully agree
4.37
Fully agree
Post-graduate 5.0
Fully agree
5.0
Fully agree
4.0
Fully agree
TOTAL
4.68
Fully agree
4.61
Fully agree
4.29
Fully agree

χ²=.006
χ²=.026
χ²=.768




 
 

 


Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

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43

Table 14. continued…

Organic farming
Organic farming
Organic products are

produce safer food
promotes good human healthier because of

products
and animal health 
the presence of
 
natural nutrients 
PARTICULAR Ave. Description
Ave. Description
Ave. Description
Civil status
 
 
 
Single
4.79
Fully agree
4.63
Fully agree
4.5
Fully agree
Married
4.63
Fully agree
4.59
Fully agree
4.19
Fully agree
Separated
4.5
Fully agree
5.0
Fully agree
4.5
Fully agree
TOTAL
4.68
Fully agree
4.61
Fully agree
4.29
Fully agree

χ²=.321
.504

χ²=.887
Farm size (sq. m.)





100-500
4.81
Fully agree
4.68
Fully agree
4.29
Fully agree
600-1000
4.55
Fully agree
4.53
Fully agree
4.47
Fully agree
1100-1500
4.5
Fully agree
4.5
Fully agree
2.5
Mostly
disagree
1600-2000
5.0
Fully agree
4.67
Fully agree
3.33
Neutral
2100-2500
5.0
Fully agree
5.0
Fully agree
5.0
Fully agree
2600 -up
4.6
Fully agree
4.8
Fully agree
4.0
Fully agree
TOTAL
4.68
Fully agree
4.61
Fully agree
4.29
Fully agree

χ²=.195
χ²=.660
χ²=.000
Years in farming





< 5
4.67
Fully agree
4.56
Fully agree
4.26
Fully agree
6-10
4.89
Fully agree
4.64
Fully agree
4.32
Fully agree
11-15
4.67
Fully agree
4.78
Fully agree
4.44
Fully agree
16-20
4.75
Fully agree
4.75
Fully agree
4.5
Fully agree
21- up
4.67
Fully agree
4.5
Fully agree
4.0
Mostly agree
TOTAL
4.68
Fully agree
4.61
Fully agree
4.29
Fully agree

χ²=.998
χ²=.715
χ²=.930




Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

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44

Perceptions on Consumers’ Behavior in Consuming
Organically Grown Strawberry

Table 15 shows the perceptions of respondents on the consuming behavior of
consumers. Results show that most respondents perceived that consumers consumed
organically produced strawberry occasionally. Fewer respondents perceived that
consumers consume organically grown strawberry often.
Table 15. Perceptions on consumers’ behavior in consuming organically grown
strawberry

PARTICULAR

AVERAGE
DESCRIPTION
Age
<
25

3.25
occasionally
26-30
2.77
occasionally
31-35
3.36
often
36-40
2.78
occasionally
41-45
2.75

occasionally
46-50
2.56
rarely
51
–up
2.29
rarely
TOTAL 2.76
occasionally





χ²=.298
Sex
Female
2.8
occasionally
Male
2.7
occasionally
TOTAL 2.76
occasionally

χ²=.278
Highest educational level
Elementary
2.58
rarely
Secondary
2.6
occasionally
College 3.0
occasionally
Post-graduate
2.0
rarely
TOTAL 2.76
occasionally
χ²=.557




Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

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45

Table 15. continued…

PARTICULAR AVERAGE

DESCRIPTION
Civil status

Single



2.83

occasionally

Married



2.72 occasionally
Separated
3.0



occasionally
TOTAL




2.76 occasionally






χ²=.616
Farm size (sq. m)
100-500 2.55



occasionally

600-100



2.92 occasionally

1100-1500



2.26 rarely

1600-2000



4.0
often

2100-2500



2.0
rarely

2600-up



2.6
occasionally
TOTAL 2.76


occasionally






χ²=.281
Years in farming
<
5

2.76
occasionally
6-10
2.59
occasionally
11-15
2.89
occasionally
16-20
3.5
often
21
–up
2.7
occasionally
TOTAL 2.76
occasionally

1-1.7=not at all
1.8-2.5=rarely
2.6-3.3=occasionally
3.4-4.1= often
4.2-5.0=very frequent











Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

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46

Reasons for “occasional” to “not at all” Consumption and
Reason for “often” to “frequent” Consumption
Table 16 shows the reasons for “occasional” to “not to all” consumption while
Table 17 shows the reason for “often” to “frequent” consumption. For the reasons of
occasional to not at all consumption the reasons are strawberry is not a usual part of the
household diet (30%), unsure if organic strawberry sold is truly organic (21.5%),
unaffordable of expensive price (20%), no knowledge on organic strawberry (7.5%),
unavailable in the market and not good in appearance (deformed shape, spotted skin)
(5%). For the reason the reason for “often” to “frequent” consumption is assurance of
healthy/safer food.

Both tables show just a few replies from the respondents. No reason is dominant
indicating that the respondents are not informed on the reasons for purchase or non-
purchase, nor for the preferences of consumers.
Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

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47

Table 16. Reasons for “occasional” to “not at all” consumption




UNAFFORDABLE / UNAVAILABLE
NO KNOWLEDGE ON
STRAWBERRY
UNSURE IF
NOT GOOD
TOTAL
EXPENSIVE
IN
THE
ON
ORGANIC

IS
NOT
A
USUAL
ORGANIC APPEARANCE
PRICE
MARKET
STRAWBERRY

PART OF THE
STRAWBERRY
(DEFORMED SHAPED &
HOUSEHOLD

SOLD
IS
TRULY
SPOTTED SKIN)
DIET
ORGANIC
PARTICULAR
F
% F
% F
%
F
% F
% F
%
F
%
Age
< 25
1
1.2
0
.0
2
2.5
4
5.0
3
3.8
0
.0
9
11.2
26-30

3
3.8
1
1.2
1
1.2
4
5.0
2
2.5
1
1.2
11
13.8
31-35

5
6.2
0
.0
1
1.2
4
5.0
2
2.5
1
1.2
13
16.2
36-40

1
1.2
1
1.2
0
.0
3
3.8
1
1.2
0
.0
6
7.5
41-45

0
.0
1
1.2
1
1.2
5
6.2
2
2.5
1
1.2
9
11.2
46-50

4
5.0
1
1.2
1
1.2
2
2.5
0
.0
1
1.2
8
10.0
51-up

2
2.5
0
.0
0
.0
4
5.0
2
2.5
0
.0
7
8.8

TOTAL

16
20.0 4
5.0
6
7.5
24
30.0 17
21.2 4
5.0
63
78.8

Sex
Female
7
8.8
1
1.2
3
3.8
8
10.0 6
7.5
2
2.5
22
27.5
Male

9
11.2 3
3.8
3
3.8
16
20.0 11
13.8 2
2.5
41
51.2
TOTAL
16
20.0 4
5.0
6
7.5
24
30.0 17
21.2 4
5.0
63
78.8

Highest educational level
Elementary
5
6.2
0
.0
1
1.2

11
13.8 4
5.0
1
1.2
20
25.0
Secondary
7
8.8
4
5.0
2
2.5

10
12.5 6
7.5
1
1.2
28
35.0
College
3
3.8
0
.0
3
3.8

2
2.5
7
8.8
2
2.5
14
17.5
Post-graduate 1
1.2
0
.0
0
.0

1
1.2
0
.0
0
.0
1
1.2
TOTAL




16 20.0 4
5.0 6
7.5
24 30.0 17 21.2 4
5.0 63 78.8




Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

---

48


Table 16. continued…




UNAFFORDABLE / UNAVAILABLE
NO KNOWLEDGE ON
STRAWBERRY
UNSURE IF
NOT GOOD
TOTAL
EXPENSIVE
IN
THE
ON
ORGANIC

IS
NOT
A
USUAL
ORGANIC APPEARANCE
PRICE
MARKET
STRAWBERRY

PART OF THE
STRAWBERRY
(DEFORMED SHAPED &
HOUSEHOLD

SOLD
IS
TRULY
SPOTTED SKIN)
DIET
ORGANIC
PARTICULAR
F
% F
% F
%
F
% F
% F
%
F
%
Civil status
Single
3
3.8
1
1.2
2
2.5

6
7.5
7
8.8
0
.0
18
22.5
Married 13
16.2 3
3.8
4
5.0

17
21.2 9
11.2 4
5.0
43
53.8
Separated
0
.0
0
.0
0
.0

1
1.2
1
1.2
0
.0
2
2.5
TOTAL
16
20.0 4
5.0
6
7.5

24
30.0 17
21.2 4
5.0
63
78.8

Farm size (sq. m)
100-500
6
7.5
2
2.5
3
3.8

9
11.2 7
8.8
2
2.5
25
31.2
600-1000
7
8.8
1
1.2
3
3.8

11
13.8 10
12.5 1
1.2
29
36.5
1100-1500
2
2.5
0
.0
0
.0

0
.0
0
.0
0
.0
2
2.5
1600-2000
1
1.2
0
.0
0
.0

1
1.2
0
.0
0
.0
2
2.5
2100-2500
0
.0
0
.0
0
.0

0
.0
0
.0
1
1.2
1
1.2
2600-up
0
.0
1
1.2
0
.0

3
3.8
0
.0
0
.0
4
5.0
TOTAL

16 20.0 4 5.0 6 7.5
24 30.0 17 21.2 4 5.0 63 78.8

Years in farming
< 5

9
11.2 1
1.2
4
5.0

11
13.8 9
11.2 2
2.5
32
40.0
6-10

6
7.5
2
2.5
1
1.2

5
6.2
5
6.2
2
2.5
17
21.2
11-15

1
1.2
1
1.2
0
.0

2
2.5
3
3.8
0
.0
7
8.8
16-20

0
.0
0
.0
0
.0

2
2.5
0
.0
0
.0
2
2.5
21-up
0
.0
0
.0
1
1.2

4
5.0
0
.0
0
.0
5
6.2
TOTAL
16
20.0 4
5.0
6
7.5

24
30.0 17
21.2 4
5.0
63
78.8

*multiple response
Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

---

49

Table 17. Reason for “often” to “very frequent” Consumption
Assurance of healthy food
TOTAL
PARTICULAR F
%
F
%
Age
<25

3
17.6

3
17.6
26-30

6
35.3

6
35.3
31-35

1
5.9


1
5.9
36-40

3
17.6

3
17.6
41-45

3
17.6

3
17.6
46-50

1
5.9


1
5.9
TOTAL 17
100
17
100
Sex
Female

5
29.4

9
21.4
Male

12
70.6

12
70.6
Total
17
100
17
100
Highest educational level
Elementary
4
23.5

4
23.5
Secondary
8
47.1

8
47.1
College

5
29.4

8
29.4
TOTAL 17
100
17
100
Civil status
Single

6
35.3

6
35.3


Married

11
64.7

11
64.7
TOTAL 17
100
17
100
Farm size (sq. m)
100-500

6
35.3

6
35.3
600-1000
9
52.9

9
52.9
1600-2000
1
5.9


1
5.9


2600 and above
1
5.9


1
5.9
Total
17
100
17
100
Years in farming
5 and below
7
41.2

7
41.2
6-10

5
29.4

5
29.4
11-15

2
11.8

2
11.8
16-20

2
11.8

2
11.8
21 and above
1
5.9


1
5.9
TOTAL 17
100
17
100


Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

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50

Constraints of Strawberry Farmers in Adapting Strawberry Organic Farming
Table 18 shows the constraints of the respondents in adapting organic farming.
The concern pointed out by a majority of the respondents 55(68.8%) is that more labor/
work intensive. Other problems cited are less production (35%), lack of available
materials (input for composting) (21.25%), requires more considerably more skills to
farm organically and land is not properly owned, and just rented (12.5%). Less have the
constraints of immunity of the soil and pests to synthetic chemicals (6.25%), organic
produced strawberry are expensive (5.0%), and location of the farm and non cooperation
of farmers (2.5%). These collaborated to the statement of Leo (2009) that the
disadvantage of organic farming is low productivity. With the highly developed
chemicals and machinery, the farmer is able to multiply his harvest manifold times. The
organic farmers use the cultivation method as opposed to drilling method used by the
traditional farmers. The next argument, which goes against organic farming, is that the
organically produced food is expensive. The cost is very often 50-100 percent more than
the traditional food.

This implies that strawberry farmer won’t go into organic faming because they
see it as more labor/work intensive.
Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

---

51

Table 18. Constraints of strawberry farmers in adapting strawberry organic farming

REQUIRES
MORE
MORE
LABOR/

LESS
ORGANIC

LACK
OF

IMMUNITY
OF
SOILS

LAND

LOCATION
TOTAL


CONSIDERABLY
WORK

PRODUCTION
PRODUCED
AVAILABLE
ALSO PESTS TO SYN-
IS NOT

OF THE FARM
SKILLS
INTENSIVE
STRAWBERRY

MATERIALS
THETIC
CHEMICALS
OWNED
&
NON-COOPERATION
TO
FARM

ARE

EXPENSIVE
AND
FERTILIZERS
&
JUST
OF
FARMERS


ORGANICALLY












RENTED
PARTICULAR
F % F % F
% F % F % F % F % F % F %
Age




25
and
below
4 5.0
10 12.5
6 7.5
0 .0 3 3.75
0 .0 1 1.25
0 .0 24 30.0
26-30
2
2.5
14
17.5
4
5.0
1
1.25
3 3.75
1 1.25
2 2.5
0 .0 27 33.75
31-35
2
2.5
11
13.75
4
5.0
2
2.5
1 1.25
2 2.5
3 3.75
2 1.25
27 33.75




36-40
1 1.25
6 7.5
2 2.5
1 1.25
2 2.5
1 1.25
3 3.75
0 2.5
16 20.0




41-45
0 .0 5 9.0
5 6.25
0 .0 5 6.25
2 2.5
1 1.25
0 .0 18 22.5




46-50
1 1.25
5 9.0
4 5.0
1 1.25
2 1.25
0 .0 0 .0 0 .0 13 16.25




51
and
above
0 .0 4 11.25
3 3.75
0 .0 1 1.25
0 .0 0 .0 0 .0 8 10.0
TOTAL
10 12.5
55 68.8
28 35.0
5 5.0 17 21.25
6 6.25
10 12.5
2 2.5 133

Sex
Female
5
6.25
22
27.5
6
7.5
1
1.2
5 6.25
3 3.75
4 5.0
1 1.25
47 58.75
Male
5
6.25
33
41.25
22
27.5
4 5.0
12 15.0
3 3.75
6 7.5
1 1.25
86 107.5
TOTAL
10 12.5
55 68.8
28 35.0
5 5.0 17 21.25
6 6.25
10 12.5
2 2.5 133

Highest educational level
Elementary
1
1.25
13
16.25
10
12.5
1 1.25
8 10.0
1 1.25
1 1.25
0 .0 35 43.75
Secondary
4
5.0
25
31.25
12
15.0
3
3.75
5 7.5
2 2.5
7 8.75
1 1.25
59 73.75
College
5
6.25
16
20.0
5
6.25
1
1.25
4 5.0
3 3.75
2 2.5
1 1.25
37 46.25





Post-graduate
0 .0 1 1.25
1 1.25
0 .0 0 .0 0 .0 0 .0 0 .0 2 2.5
TOTAL
10 12.5
55 68.8
28 35.0
5 5.0 17 21.25
6 6.25
10 12.5
2 2.5 133








Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

---

52

Table 18. continued…



REQUIRES MORE
MORE LABOR/
LESS

ORGANIC
LACK OF

IMMUNITY OF SOILS
LAND

LOCATION
TOTAL


CONSIDERABLY
WORK

PRODUCTION
PRODUCED
AVAILABLE
ALSO PESTS TO SYN-
IS NOT

OF THE FARM
SKILLS
INTENSIVE
STRAWBERRY

MATERIALS
THETIC
CHEMICALS
OWNED
&
NON-COOPERATION
TO
FARM

ARE

EXPENSIVE
AND
FERTILIZERS
&
JUST
OF
FARMERS


ORGANICALLY












RENTED
PARTICULAR
F % F % F
% F % F % F % F % F % F %
Civil status

Single
5
6.25
19
23.75
11
13.8
0
.0 6 6.25
1 1.25
5 6.25
0 .0 47 58.75
Married
4
5.0
24
30.0
17
21.25
5 6.25
11 13.8
5 13.8
4 5.0
2 2.5
82 102.5





Separated
1 1.25
2 2.5
0 .0 0 .0 0 .0 0 .0 1 1.25
0 .0 4 5.0
TOTAL
10 12.5
55 68.8
28 35.0
5 5.0 17 21.25
6 6.25
10 12.5
2 2.5 133

Farm size (sq. m)
100-500
6
7.5
22
27.5
11
13.8
2
2.5
6 7.5
3 3.75
2 2.5
1 1.25
53 66.25
600-1000
4
5.0
25
31.25
14
17.5
2
2.5 10 12.5 3
3.75 7
8.75 1
1.25 66 82.5





1100-1500
0 .0 1 1.25
0 .0 1 1.25
1 1.25
0 .0 0 .0 0 .0 3 3.75





1600-2000
0 .0 2 2.5
1 1.25
0 .0 0 .0 0 .0 1 1.25
0 .0 4 5.0





2100-2500
0 .0 0 .0 1 1.25
0 .0 0 .0 0 .0 0 .0 0 .0 1 1.25





2600-up 0 .0 5 6.25
1 1.25
0 .0 0 .0 0 .0 0 .0 0 .0 6 7.5
TOTAL
10 12.5
55 68.8
28 35.0
5 5.0 17 21.25
6 6.25
10 12.5
2 2.5 133


Years in farming
<5

8
10.0
28
35.0
14
17.5
1
1.25 11 13.8 3
3.75 4
5.0 0
.0 69 86.25
6-10
1
1.25
1
18.75
9
11.25
1 1.25
1 1.25
2 2.5
4 5.0
1 1.25
34 42.5
11-15
1
2.5
5
6.25
3
3.75
2
2.5
3 3.75
0 .0 1 1.25
1 1.25
16 20.0





16-20
0 .0 3 3.75
0 .0 1 1.25
1 1.25
1 1.25
0 .0 0 .0 6 7.5





21-up
0 .0 4 5.0
2 2.5
0 .0 1 1.25
0 .0 1 1.25
0 .0 8 10.0
TOTAL
10 12.5
55 68.8
28 35.0
5 5.0 17 21.25
6 6.25
10 12.5
2 2.5 133


*multiple response
Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

---

53
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
Organic farming has now become a prime topic of discussion and concern in the
agricultural sector. It is a method of farming that requires farmers to operate a system. It
is a form of agriculture that relies on crop rotation, green manure, compost, biological
pest control and mechanical cultivation etc…to maintain soil productivity and control
pests, excluding or strictly limiting the use of synthetic fertilizers and synthetic
pesticides.
However, concerns is placed on the acceptability of this idea to the farmers as
only a few have gone into this.
The study aimed to determine the following: the concept of organic farming to
strawberry farmers; the perceptions of strawberry farmers on organic farming in terms
of technical aspects, socio-economic aspects and environmental/ health aspects; the
perceptions of strawberry farmers on the consumer’s behavior in terms of consumption
pattern and reasons for consumption or non-consumption; determine the relation between
the farmers profile and their perceptions in organic production and consumption and
lastly to determine the constraints of strawberry farmers in adapting organic farming.
There were 80 respondents from Betag and Longlong La Trinidad, Benguet
interviewed in the study selected randomly. Their responses were cross tabulated against
their demographic profile and were correlated.

There are more male respondents, and majority are married, middle age (26-35),
undergone formal schooling, have been farming for less than ten years and working on a
100-1000 sq. m. farm size.
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Respondents with lesser farm size rely on strawberry farming as their major
source of income indicating a sensitivity of farm profitability to decisions made.
Results show that most strawberry farmers define organic farming as simply
farming without the use/ minimize the use of commercial pesticides and fertilizers. This
however shows a limited view of what organic farming really is.
Respondents claim to be certain of the effects of organic farming to soil
fertilization but are uncertain as to its effects on pest’s control.
Radio programs have been the source of information for a majority of the farmers,
particularly the young and married ones. Other considered sources of information are DA
technicians and from trainings and seminars.
Respondents fully agree on various soil management principles of organic
farming. However, they also fully agree to the idea that unprocessed animal waste could
be directly applied to the soil. This indicates a lack in knowledge on soil management
principles of organic farming. They also most agree that it takes 3-5 years to convert from
conventional to organic farming. However, middle- aged respondents or those who have
been farming for 11-15 years show more confidence that this is indeed the time period
required for conversion.
Considering the socio-economic aspects of organic farming respondents mostly
disagree to the idea that organic farming is expensive and that an optimum production
level is obtained with organic farming. That is because they also most agree that lower
yield is obtained with organic farming during conversion period. Respondents are
however neutral with the idea that conversion to organic farming does not give economic
rewards to farmers. Respondents fully agree that preparation of organic input is laborious
Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

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55
and time-consuming and mostly agree that land/ use farm resources is maximized with
organic farming. Likewise mostly agree that organically produced products demands
higher price and is hard to sell. Results show that there are difference in the level of
agreement based on the various concepts considering the civil status, and farm size.
Results shows also that respondents fully agree with the environmental/ health
aspects of organic farming such as organic farming promoting cleaner/safer environment
by minimizing air, soil and water pollution, organic farming produce safer food products,
soil fertility is enhanced in organic farming, organic farming helps balance the
ecosystem, organic farming promotes good human and animal health, organic farming
promotes sustainable agriculture, and organic products are healthier because of the
presence of natural nutrients. The difference in level of agreement is determined by their
educational level attained and by their farm size.
Regarding their perception on the consumers behavior in terms of consumption
pattern and reasons for consumption or non-consumption, results shows that strawberry
farmers perceived that most consumers consume organically produced strawberry
occasionaly for the following reasons: strawberry is not a usual part of the household
diet, unsure if organic strawberry sold is truly organic, unaffordable or expensive price,
unavailable in the market and no knowledge on organic strawberry and less consumers
consumed organically produced strawberry frequently for it is assurance of healthy/safer
food. However there is no dominant reason for the high or low purchases indicating that
respondents are unsure of the reasons of consumers for the frequency or volume of their
purchases of organic strawberry.
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The two leading constraints of strawberry farmers in adapting organic farming
are: it is more labor/ work intensive and that less production is achieved.
Conclusions
Based on the summary of findings and objectives, the following conclusions are
drawn:
1. Strawberry farming is a major source of income of young respondents making
their decisions sensitive towards income generated from the farm. Respondents are
certain of the effects of organic farming to soil fertilization but are uncertain of its effects
to pest’s management. Information they have acquired on organic farming have been
through any media made available to them.
2. The concept of organic farming to strawberry farmers is farming which
minimizes the use of synthetic chemicals and pesticides. This implies that respondents
have a bit of knowledge about organic farming but not complete information as to the
various considerations of organic farming.
3. The farmers have some understanding of the technical aspects of organic
farming. Some differences in understanding are related to their age and experience in
farming with middle-aged farmers showing better understanding than those younger or
older. Their level of understanding of various socio-economic aspects of organic farming
is dependent mostly on their civil status and farm size. However there are no
demographic variables that could be linked to their understanding of organic farming
contribution to health and environment. Understandably, this is because health and
environment issues appear to be trivial whereas the technical and socio-economic aspects
can be drawn from experiences in farming.
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4. Strawberry farmers perceived that more consumers consume organically grown
strawberry “occasionally to not to all” and fewer consumers consume organically
grown strawberry “often to frequent”. However farmers’ are unsure of the consumer’s
reason for low or high purchases on organic strawberry indicating a low understanding of
the consumer market for organically grown strawberries.
5. Most respondents won’t go into organic farming because they see it to be more
labor/work intensive and less productive.

Recommendations


Based conclusions, the following are recommended:

1. To inform and educate strawberry farmers in organic farming, consider more
accessible venues or media for them to access this information. Whereas radio
programs, DA technicians and the conduct of trainings and seminars are the more
popular sources of information for the farmers, regularity of delivery of these
information on organic farming would be desirable. Middle-aged farmers are more
open minded towards accessing concepts of organic farming, hence information and
education programs for organic farming should be constructed and purchased with

them in mind as a starting point.

2. To convince or influence strawberry farmers to convert into organic farming,
concerned agencies must consider presenting them with comparative quantitative
values on the costs and benefits of organic farming or simply comparative budgets
which they can relate to based on their experience and size of farms. Farmers already
know of the health and environment benefits of organic farming but are not sure of its
benefits to their farm, and much more to their profits.
Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

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LITERATURE CITED
ANONYMOUS. 2009. My Organic Garden - Advantages of Organic Farming. Retrieved

October 30, 2009 from
http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/my-
organic
garden-advantages-of-organic-farming-10263
BAKER, B. 1996. Organic Strawberry Production as an Alternative to Methyl bromide.

Retrieved November 4, 2009 from http://mbao.org.orgsber2.html
BALFOUR, E.1943. The Living Soil. Faber and Faber, London.
BERRY, W. 1990. Nature as measure. In. Berry, W. What are people for? North Point

Press, New York. Pp. 210
FAO 1999.Organic Agriculture. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United

Nations, Rome. Retrieved December 10, 2009
from
http://www.fao.org/unfao/bodies/
COAG15/X0075E.html

GHOSH, S. 2008. Organic Farming: A Global Perspective. Retrieved October 29,

2009 from http://ww.books.iupindia.org/newarticle.asp?isbn=978-81-314-1451.
KRISTIANSEN, P., A. TAJI and J. REGANOLD 2006. Organic Agriculture: A Global

Perspective. CSIRO Publishing. Pp. 3, 222-223. Asian Perspective. 4th ed.

Prentice Hall Publishing. Pp. 191-192.
KOTLER, P. L., K. ANG, S.H. LEONG, S.M. TIONGTAN, C.2006. Marketing

Management. An Asian Perspective. 4th ed. Pearson Prentice Inc. Pp 184-187.
LIEBMAN, J. 1994 . Organic Strawberry Production as an Alternative to
Methyl
bromide. Retrieved November 4, 2009 from
http://mbao.org.orgsber2.htmlL
LASTIMOSA, L. 2009. What is Organic Farming? (And Its Many

Benefit).Retrieved October
25,
2009
from
http//:www.mixph.com/2009/08/What-is-organic- farming-and-its- many-
benefits.
html

MAGDOFF, F. and R. WEIL 2004. Soil Organic Matter in Sustainable Agriculture

CRC Press. Pp. 309.
MITCHELL, A. 2003. Organically grown food higher in cancer-fighting chemicals than

conventionally grown foods. Retrieved from http//:www.pequtplantfarm.com

MCVICKAR, M. H, 1970. Using Commercial Fertilizers . 3rd ed. The Interstate

Printers Publishers, Inc. Pp. 225-226.
Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

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59
OFRF (Organic Farming Research Foundation). 2004. Frequently Asked Questions

About Organic Farming OFRF, Santa Cruz. Retrieved December 10, 2009
from
http://www.ofrf.org/general/about_organic/index.html
PANDA, HIMADRI and D. HOTA EDS 2007. Biofertilizers and Organic Farming.

Retrieved
October29, 2009 from http://www.flipkart.com/biofertilizers-
organic-farming- himadri- panda/8189729209-fw23fwdt2f
PUGSONG, A. 2006. Perceptions of Farmers on Using Organic Fertilizers on

Benguet. BS Thesis. Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet. Pp. 7-9.
SCHIFFMAN L. and KANUK L. 2007. Consumers Behaviour. 9th ed. Pp. 156-
158.
WIKIPEDIA. 2009. Organic farming from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved

October 25, 2009 from http://en.wikepedia.org/wiki/organicfarming.
WIKIPEDIA. 2009. Perception from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retreived

October 25, 2009 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perception


















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APPENDIX A

Letter to the Respondents

Republic of the Philippines
Benguet State University
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS
AND AGRIBUSINESS MANAGEMENT
La Trinidad, Benguet


Dear Respondent:

I am Agribusiness student of Benguet State University majoring in Enterprise
Management. As part of the course requirement, I am presently conducting a research
entitled,” Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming".

In connection with this, may I ask your full cooperation to complete my thesis by
answering the questionnaire honestly and completely? Rest assured that all information
gathered in this study will be kept confidential and that will be only for the success of the
study.

Your cooperation is highly appreciated. Thank-you very much.

















Respectfully
yours,


RACHELLE L. BALANG
Researcher
Noted:

CLIFTON
D.
LLANES

Adviser
Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

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APPENDIX B
Survey Questionnaire
PERCEPTIONS OF STRAWBERRY FARMERS TOWARDS ORGANIC FARMING

Name: _____________________ Age: ____ Gender: ( ) Male ( ) Female
Civil Status: ( ) Single ( ) Married ( ) Separated ( ) Widowed
Barangay: ______________________
Ethnicity: ( ) Kankanaey ( ) Ilocano ( ) Ibaloi ( ) Others (specify) __________
Highest Educational Attainment
( ) Elementary Level ( ) High school Level ( ) College Level ( ) Post-
graduate
No. of years in strawberry farming: ___________
Total farm area for strawberry production: ___________
Is Strawberry farming your: ( ) major source of income ( ) Additional income only
Other sources of income: ( ) Vegetable Farming ( ) Vending/Selling



( ) Employees ( ) Others (specify) ______
_______

1. What definition would apply most to your understanding of what organic farming is?
(Choose only one)
( ) Farming without the use of commercial pesticides and fertilizers
( ) Farming with the use of organic fertilizers only
( ) Farming with the use of organic pesticides only
( ) Farming that minimizes the use of synthetic chemicals
( ) Other definition ______________________________________
2. Rate your knowledge on Organic farming

Very high
High Moderate Low No Knowledge
(5)
(4)
(3)
(2)
(1)
Organic farming is effective in




pest control
Organic farming is effective in





soil fertilization

3. Sources of information on organic farming



( ) DA Technician ( ) Seminars / Trainings


( ) Radio Programs
( ) Organizations
( ) Fellow Farmers
( ) Others (specify) ______________
( ) Reading Materials (Pamphlets, Brochures, etc.)
( ) Neighbors and relatives



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4. Perception on Organic Farming
Please put a check mark on the corresponding rating scales on the items to indicate
your perceptions on organic farming.

A. TECHNICAL ASPECTS
STATEMENT Fully
Mostly
Neutral
Totally
Mostly
Agree
Agree
Disagree Disagree
(5)
(4)
(3)
(2)
(1)
Farm wastes can be process as




fertilizer.
Animal wastes (Unprocessed) can be




readily /directly applied to the soil.
Soil microorganisms are more active




in soils applied with organic fertilizer
than applied synthetic.
Organic fertilizers improve the physio-




chemical characteristics of the soil.
Organic fertilizer has a very slow




effect on the crops performances.
The conversion period of organic




farming is 3-5 years.

B. SOCIO ECONOMIC ASPECTS
STATEMENT Fully
Mostly
Neutral
Totally
Mostly
Agree
Agree
Disagree Disagree
(5)
(4)
(3)
(2)
(1)
Organic farming is expensive





Preparation of organic
input
is




laborious and time consuming
Lower yield is obtained with organic




farming during the conversion period
Land /use
farm resources is




maximized with organic farming
Optimum production levels is





obtained with organic farming
Organically produced products





demands higher price
Organically product produced is hard




to sell
Conversion to organic farming does





not give economic rewards to farmers.


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C. ENVIRONMENT /HEALTH ASPECT

STATEMENT
Fully
Mostly
Neutral Totally
Mostly
Agree
Agree
Disagree Disagree

(5)
(4)
(3)
(2)
(1)
Organic farming promotes





cleaner/safer environment by
minimizing air, soil and water
pollution
Organic farming
produce safer




food products
Soil fertility is enhanced in organic




farming
Organic farming helps balance the





ecosystem
Organic farming promotes good





human and animal health.
Organic farming promotes





sustainable agriculture
Organic products are healthier





because of the presence of natural
nutrients.
6. Please indicate your perceptions on consumers’ behavior in consuming organically
grown
strawberry.
Frequency of
Not at all
Rarely Occasional
Often Very frequent
consumption
(5)
(4)
(3)
(2)
(1)
Organic produce





strawberry

6a. For consumption that is “occasional” to “not at all”, what is the reason?

( ) Unaffordable or expensive price

( ) Unavailable in the market

( ) No knowledge on organic strawberry

( ) Strawberry is not a usual part of the household diet

( ) Unsure if organic strawberry sold is truly organic

( ) Other reasons (specify) _______________________________

6b. For consumption that is “often” to “very frequent”, what is the reason?

( ) Assurance of healthy food/safer foods

( ) To avoid illnesses

( ) More nutritious

( ) Other reasons (specify) _______________________________


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7. What are your constraints in adapting strawberry organic farming?

( ) Requires considerably more skills to farm organically

( ) More labor/work-intensive

( ) Less production

( ) Organic produced is expensive

( ) Odorous

( ) Lack of available materials

( ) Others (specify) _____________________________________


THANK-YOU. GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS





Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming / Rachelle L. Balang. 2010

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Document Outline

• Perceptions of Strawberry Farmers Towards Organic Farming
  • BIBLIOGRAPHY
  • ABSTRACT
  • TABLE OF CONTENTS
  • INTRODUCTION
    • Rationale
    • Statement of the Problem
    • Objectives of the Study
    • Importance of the Study
    • Scope and Delimitation of the Study
  • REVIEW OF LITERATURE
    • Importance of Farming
    • Perceptions of Farmers
    • Definition of Terms
  • METHODOLOGY
    • Locale and Time of the Study
    • Respondents of the Study
    • Data Collection
    • Data Analysis
  • RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
    • Personal and Farming Profileof Respondents
    • Strawberry Farming as a Majorfor Additional Source of Incomefor Respondents
    • Other Sources of Income for Respondents
    • Concept of Organic Farming to Respondents
    • Knowledge on Organic Farming
    • Sources of Information on Organic Farming
    • Perceptions on Organic Farming: Technical Aspects
    • Perceptions on Organic Farming: Socio-economic Aspects
    • Perceptions on Organic farming: Environmental/Health Aspects
    • Perceptions on Consumers� Behavior in ConsumingOrganically Grown Strawberry
    • Reasons for �occasional� to �not at all� Consumption andReason for �often� to �frequent� Consumption
    • Constraints of Strawberry Farmers in Adapting Strawberry Organic Farming
  • SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
    • Summary
    • Conclusions
    • Recommendations
  • LITERATURE CITED
  • APPENDICES

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