Producers’ Perception of the Benefits of Farm Certification: The Case of the National Good Agricultural Practices Programme

The objectives of this study were to assess the perception of a national certification programme for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), specifically IPR (Integrated Plant Production). Another aim was to indicate the barriers of the implementation and the benefits of the practices within the IPR certification. The study was conducted using a survey questionnaire. The results were subjected to Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and an analysis of the correlations between demographic characteristics and the perception of the certificate among IPR-certified farmers. Among the motivations for implementing the certificate and perceived benefits, respondents revealed specific values: a high level of social and environmental awareness and responsibility, a relatively high pursuit of material security, and a strong pro-market attitude. Of these factors, the responsibility and awareness factor best described the population, while the material security factor was less significant. The demographic characteristics in the researched population were found to be statistically insignificant for the perception of the programme and presented values. The second part of the study revealed a number of phenomena observed in the context of implementing the certificate, including positive environmental changes and those related to relations with market partners. One of the hidden factors behind these changes was the time factor. In this context, it was suggested that the longer validity of the certificate may increase interest in it. Recommendations were also formulated regarding addressing the values declared by respondents as being key in implementing IPR certification and minimising the gap in expectations regarding the price and the price obtained for certified products.