US Rice Farmers’ Perspectives and Opinions Toward Organic Farming
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-2026
Keywords
Organic agriculture, Organic transition, Producer perceptions, Rice farming
Abstract
This study examines U.S. rice farmers’ perceptions of organic production and the barriers to adoption using original survey data collected from 181 rice farmers across five major rice-producing states. The survey combines phone and online responses and includes both conventional and organic producers. Descriptive comparisons highlight differences in farm characteristics, production outcomes, and risk perceptions between the two groups.
Results show that, on average, organic rice farmers operate smaller farms, receive higher prices, report higher water use and lower yields, and perceive organic production as riskier than conventional farmers do. Conventional farmers cite profitability concerns, weed and pest pressure, limited information, and uncertainty about markets and government support as key reasons for not adopting organic practices. While both groups prioritize profitability, organic farmers place greater emphasis on environmental sustainability, whereas conventional farmers associate organic rice primarily with health benefits.
Citation
Han, J., Durand-Morat, A., & Caroline, E. (2026). US Rice Farmers’ Perspectives and Opinions Toward Organic Farming. Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Faculty Publications and Presentations. Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/aeabpub/52
