Factors impinging fruit farmers adoption of organic farming practices in Johor, Malaysia

Abstract

A Malaysia Organic (myOrganic) Program is being promoted in Malaysia as a strategy to raise small-scale producers' income, protect the environment, and reduce food imports. However, from almost 144, 843 fruit farmers in Malaysia, only 63 farms received myOrganic certification. Unfortunately, Johor is the second-lowest state of myOrganic recipients even though they have the highest number of fruit farmers. Thus, this study aims to determine the factors impinging the organic farming practices adoption by fruits farmers in Johor, Malaysia. The quantitative research design was employed, and the questionnaire is structured based on a combination of Theory Planned Behavior (TPB) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The probability sampling was employed by using simple random sampling technique that involved fruits farmers in Johor. SPSS version 25.0 had been used to analyse the data using descriptive analysis. Findings from this study showed moderate mean score for organic farming practices adoption (M= 2.597), perceived behavioural control (M=3.212) and perceived usefulness (M=3.499), while high mean score showed by attitude (M=3.711) and perceived ease of use (are M=3.860). This study is significant to the government, researchers and farmers to understand the factors and importance of organic farming practices adoption.