Diminished work ability as a contributing factor for farmer’s interest in switching to organic production

Previous studies suggest organic producers have diminished work ability, but it is unclear if this is due to pre-existing conditions or work exposures in organic production itself. The current study explored whether diminished work ability is a contributing factor to the interest in switching from conventional to organic production. The study used data from 2018, Finnish farmer questionnaire, analysed by machine learning - based approach and logistic regression modelling. Nearly half (46%) of the survey respondents (n = 2,948) had a diminished work ability score. Seventeen percent (n = 501) of the respondents reported being interested in switching to organic production. Farmers with diminished work ability had greater odds (OR 1.56, 95% CI: 1.26–1.92) for showing interest in switching. Those growing horticulture and special crops (vs. cereals) (OR 0.55) and those age 55+ years (vs. less than 35) (OR 0.51) showed less interest in switching. The interest in starting or expanding organic production was higher among those who already had an organic agreement on part of their farm (OR 5.7) and those who had other business activities on the farm (OR 1.36). In summary, this study suggests that diminished work ability predicts farmer’s interest for switching to organic production. Measures to protect the health and well-being of farmers and workers during and after switching to organic production is critically important in achieving not only policy goals to increase organic production, but also good quality of life of farmers.