Why Hungarian Farmers Hesitate to Adopt Organic Farming: Farmer Experiences and Practices

This paper explores how Hungarian farmers perceive the shift to organic farming, focusing on its practical, economic, and knowledge-related challenges. It examines whether difficulties experienced in organic farming reflect genuine concerns for conventional farmers – potentially explaining their reluctance to convert – or whether they fear different aspects than the actual challenges in organic systems. The study draws on qualitative interviews with both farmer groups and content analysis. Results show that farmers view the shift as a broader transformation of farm management. Organic farmers see challenges as manageable through experimental learning and cooperation, while conventional farmers emphasize uncertainties related to markets, yields, and regulations. Findings highlight the importance of advisory services, knowledge exchange, and farmer networks.