Thesis, Undergraduate (B.S. Agribusiness Economics)--University of the Philippines, Mindanao

Only few farmers in Magsaysay, Davao del Sur continue to produce rice through organic farming. The rest have reverted back to conventional farming because they are still unaware of the long-term benefits from organic farming and emphasize mainly on volume of production. Hence, this study was conducted to investigate the influences that affect the decisions of organic rice farmers in Magsaysay to remain in organic farming through Logistic Regression Analysis (LRA). Moreover, this study employed Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) to evaluate the benefits and costs associated with organic rice production in comparison with conventional rice farming. Sixty respondents were considered which consisted of twenty organic and forty conventional rice farmers in the five barangays of Magsaysay were selected. Data collection was done through survey questionnaires and key informant interviews. The results of the logit model showed that family labor size, perception on organic farming, and age significantly influenced the decisions of rice farmers to remain in organic farming. Meanwhile, the cost-benefit analysis revealed that although the yield per hectare obtained in organic farming is lesser, it is still profitable due to higher selling price and lesser cost incurred. In order to expand the use of organic farming in Magsaysay, it is important for the local government units and non-government organizations to formulate an organic farming promotion policy considering the results of this study. Moreover, research and development programs should be conducted to increase yield obtained from organic farming and strengthen market development, policy formulation and regulation.