ORGANIC FARMING IN MASSACHUSETTS - AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH TO AGRICULTURE IN AN URBANIZED STATE

This study examined differences between organic and conventional fruit and vegetable growers in Massachusetts, emphasizing characteristics that might be especially significant given that agriculture is only a small portion of the economy of this urbanized state. Thirteen certified organic and 13 conventional fruit and vegetable growers in Massachusetts were interviewed during farm visits and by telephone. The organic farms on average are much smaller than the conventional farms and provide a much small fraction of their operators family income. The organic growers entered farming more recently than their conventional counterparts, often bringing idled land back into production to get started They are strongly committed to organic method, derive many intangible rewards from farming and generally do not rate their problems as very serious.