Perspectives of master’s graduates on organic agriculture: A Portuguese case study

2.1 Study context

Organic farmers are an important source of relevant information when it comes to sharing their experience and persuading other farmers to adopt OA [28]. Moreover, OF requires farmers to adopt innovative and sustainable practices in order to safeguard the environment and guarantee the production of healthy food [29]. Cooperation between scientists and stakeholders is therefore important [30].

The combination of techno-economic and agri-ecological-ruralist paradigms provides approaches to more sustainable agriculture. Farmers’ cooperatives, where actual agricultural production takes place on a small scale, but have multiple benefits, such as increased biodiversity and higher agricultural productivity, enhancing dynamic rural and even national economies. On the one hand, by acting collectively, small farmers can take advantage of economies of scale and save on transaction costs. On the other hand, the organization of farmers into cooperatives is a way of integrating both the production in smaller units of the agroecological-ruralist position and the demands for large-scale agriculture of the techno-economic position. Within an online context, an initiative called New Organic Planet is expanding in the Portuguese Madeira Archipelago and has developed the Bioplatform. This platform aims to connect organic producers, certification bodies, consumers, and consultants within the field of OA [31].

There are agricultural practices that use synthetic fertilizers and pesticides in order to maximize crop yields, but contribute to environmental pollution [32]. Many of the environmental concerns about conventional agriculture can already be alleviated by the current OA practices, which play an important role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions [33]. OF plays a leading role in promoting the sustainability of agricultural systems and is widely recognized at the global level as one of the most scientifically supported and environmentally friendly approaches to preserving the ecological balance of agriculture and natural ecosystems [32,34].

We are currently facing challenges both in terms of fighting climate change and preserving ecosystems. The Organization of the United Nations recognizes that consuming less meat, cultivating the land using fewer chemicals, and protecting forests are the only way to try to control global warming [35]. Common Agricultural Policy for 2023–2027 also aims to adopt a more effective policy in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the EU, through the “Farm to Fork” strategy – one of the main actions defined in the European Green Deal. The Green Deal sets targets for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The “From Plate to Plate” strategy, launched in May 2020, aims to make the EU’s food supply chain more sustainable, so that the food system is fair, healthy, and environmentally friendly [36,37]. An insightful analysis of the progress of Agenda 2030 indicators specific to OA was presented, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses that are likely to emerge by 2030 if the current trends in these indicators continue in the coming years [38].

In Portugal, the OA sector has experienced significant growth, with official records dating back to 1994. The most remarkable expansion occurred between 2000 and 2006, surging from 50,000 ha to an impressive 214,232 ha [39]. During this period, support was extended through Agri-Environmental Programs, specifically the RURIS Program, influencing the notable increase in Portugal’s OF area. Between 2007 and 2013, changes in the surface area of were observed due to changes in support systems, particularly PRODER, and adjustments in statistical information collection methodologies. There was a significant upsurge in 2017, with the area reaching 253,786 ha [40]. This growth was primarily attributed to the PDR 2020 – OA, the supporting program for OA until 2020 [39]. OF in Portugal demonstrated consistent growth between 2013 and 2020, apart from a slight decrease in 2018 [41].

In 2019, a register of 293,213 ha has evolved in 2020 to 319,540 ha and this value continues to grow [41], which is in line with the strategy of the European Commission’s organic action plan for the EU, in which the Commission will aim to achieve the European Green Deal target of 25% of agricultural land under OF by 2030 [6].

The total number of organic farms in 2019 stood at 290,229, with the specialization in permanent crops seeing the greatest growth in the number of farms, mainly due to farms specializing in nuts and tropical fruits, which increased by 96.7 and 100.2%, respectively. As for livestock, there was a decrease in the number of farms specializing in dairy cattle (−47.3%), sheep and goats (−11.9%), and poultry (−8.8%) [41].

In 2022, the total agricultural area under organic production was already 759,977 hectares (fully converted and under conversion), representing 19.2% of the UAA. Meadows and permanent pastures were the crops that occupied the largest organic agricultural area (71.3%), arable land (19.6%), and permanent crops (9.1%) [40,42]. Figure 1 shows the evolution of the agricultural area under organic production in Portugal, from 2012 to 2022.

Figure 1

Evolution of the agricultural area under organic production in Portugal (2012–2022) (adapted from APA [40]).

There was a growing trend in agricultural area under organic production, with a 278.4% increase in 2022 compared to 2012, as well as significant gains across all crop groups: 368.2% for arable land, 287.2% for permanent grassland and pasture, and 138.4% for permanent crops [43].

According to the most recent data from Eurostat, available on the Pordata platform, in 2022, Portugal ranked 3rd among the 27 EU countries in terms of area dedicated to OF [44].

Promoting an increasing consumption of organic products will be essential to encourage farmers to convert to OA and increase their profitability and resilience. To this end, the Action Plan includes several concrete measures that are intended to introduce demand, maintain consumer confidence, and bring organic food closer to citizens [45]. However, the complexity of legislation with regard to product and packaging labeling is a limiting factor, particularly for processors [33].

Difficulties associated with a lack of information, a shortage of technical support and training on OA techniques, and difficulties in bearing the costs associated with OA are some of the factors that can inhibit the desire to join the organic production system [46]. On the other hand, there are factors that can make it easier for more farmers to join OA, such as the promotion of integrated strategies for agricultural support policies, understanding the specific characteristics of OA and the type and competitiveness of the respective markets; the implementation of effective certification systems and the necessary support for producers; easy access to import and export markets; the establishment of production and marketing rules; support for marketing and processing; and consumer information and the creation of marketing strategies to promote these products and practices, in relation to farmers with smaller farms. Confidence in OA also depends on farmers’ own confidence. It is essential to create training that is suited to their needs, providing accurate and real information about the difficulties and benefits of this farming system [47].

In Portugal, the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DGADR), through the National Observatory for Organic Production, plays a key role in monitoring and implementing the 2nd Action Plan for the period 2023–2027 [48].

Our study was anchored in three fundamental pillars: the National Strategy for Organic Agriculture (ENAB), the Green Deal, and the Action Plan for the future of organic production in the EU. Accordingly, the interview script encompassed questions aligned with these pivotal documents, addressing specific themes articulated within them.

For example, concerning the ENAB, participants were queried about their opinions on the potential impact of educational projects, such as the pilot initiative introducing organic products in public school cafeterias, and its role in enhancing knowledge and confidence in OA.

In connection with the Green Deal, participants were queried about their perspectives on achieving the ambitious goal set in the Green Deal, aiming for 25% of the EU’s agricultural area dedicated to OA by 2030. Additionally, participants were invited to identify key strategies contributing to sustaining the growth of supply and demand in the OA sector while fostering consumer trust [49].

The interview in our study also included a question aligned with the Action Plan for the future of organic production in the EU, emphasizing the imperative to increase awareness among farmers and rural actors regarding support measures for OA. Participants were asked to share insights into whether organic farmers are adequately informed and aware of existing support measures or if there is a discernible need for improved dissemination of information [24].

Several studies have been conducted to gather information on farmers’ perspectives on OA, as well as on consumers of organic products, as shown in the introduction. However, to the best of our knowledge, there are no studies focusing on the views of professionals with a master’s degree specifically in OA. Therefore, our work introduces this novel perspective, providing insights from these actors who also play a significant role in the OF scope in Portugal.

1. Informed consent: Informed consent was obtained from all participants.

2. Ethical approval: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Polytechnic University of Coimbra (reference No. 81_A_CEIPC/2021, July 22, 2021).

4.1 Perspectives on factors that influence the OA sector

The 13 full-structured interviews conducted are considered statistically meaningful in qualitative research, as it ensures a significant representation of the studied population while allowing data saturation, a key criterion for robustness in qualitative analysis. Saturation serves as a key indicator that the sample is appropriate for studying the phenomenon, ensuring that the data collected reflects the full diversity, depth, and complexities of the issues being investigated, thereby confirming content validity [53]. Achieving saturation has become a crucial aspect of qualitative research, enhancing the robustness and validity of data collection [54]. Furthermore, saturation is often regarded as the primary assurance of qualitative rigor provided by researchers to reviewers and readers [55].

A recent systematic review showed that 9 to 17 interviews reached saturation, confirming that qualitative studies can reach saturation at relatively small sample sizes [56].

Additionally, prior to the interviews, most respondents were employed in agriculture, with several specifically working in OF, further reinforcing the relevance and credibility of their insights.

Several qualitative studies have been conducted using interviews as the main method of data collection. For example, a semi-structured expert interview study involving eight employees from six purely or partly organic dairies in Germany and Switzerland was conducted in 2023 [57]. Another study, based on nine qualitative interviews with organic farmers in Denmark, was carried out in 2007 [16]. More recently, a study based on 17 in-depth interviews with organic grain farmers in Iowa, USA, was published [15].

In our study, among the 23 questions presented during the interviews, the most relevant ones in the context of this study will be discussed.

According to previous “Study context” section and from our perspective, OA sector development means expanding OF practices, such as using natural fertilizers, crop rotation, use of organic seeds, and avoiding synthetic chemicals; supporting organic farmers through training, funding, or access to markets; creating policies and standards that help the organic sector grow sustainably; and building awareness and demand for organic products among consumers.

In response to Q10 (Table 1) regarding the difficulties that deter young people from considering the OA sector as a promising area, several barriers were identified by the interviewees. These include a lack of knowledge about OA, a scarcity of skilled labor, the high cost of equipment and machinery, the weak purchasing power of organic food by consumers, and misinformation about the sector. However, it is worth noting that one participant (E) mentioned a growing interest among young people in OA, evidenced by the implementation of various projects in the field.

Previous work revealed several factors influencing the OA sector, with the most common obstacles being management issues, national OA policies, cultural barriers, and market uncertainty. These challenges also impact farmers’ decisions to abandon organic production due to economic constraints, certification concerns, technical difficulties, and broader environmental factors. Organic regulations are complex, covering the entire food chain – from production to labeling, control, and imports [33]. Conversely, the reasons why young farmers choose agriculture as a career were studied [58]. The results essentially showed that, although many of the interviewees became young farmers to fulfill a professional ambition, farming remains, for many others, a refuge activity from the lack of professional opportunities on a national scale. It should also be noted that young farmers are more receptive to sustainable practices and, in addition, have the potential to bring innovation and development to regions, in this case study, Trás-os-Montes (Portugal) region.

Agriculture is an unpredictable activity and, as such, there are uncontrollable aspects. In fact, there are significant factors that hinder the adoption of OF practices, namely, weather conditions, floods and landslides, pests, certification systems, and marketing problems. Farmers are less likely to adopt OF when they face uncontrollable problems. Profit and productivity are also factors that do not motivate farmers to switch to OF, due to a lack of markets and subsidies, for example. However, it is important to note that OF has increased productivity and return on costs, for which more evidence and research is needed [28].

In fact, organic products stand out from conventional products because they are richer in nutrients and are free from pesticide residues. At a time when public health is on the agenda, it is important to note that OF helps to slow down the growing health crisis caused by the dangerous spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Most people have an unfavorable perception of the use of pesticides and other chemicals in conventional agriculture, and this is an opportunity to boost OF (increase consumption of organic products) [34].

A recent review highlighted the potential health benefits of organic food consumption, including a reduced risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma and colorectal cancer, lower obesity rates and body mass index, improved blood nutrient composition, and decreased risks of maternal obesity and pregnancy-related preeclampsia risk [59]. Furthermore, the use of fermentation, microbial, and food biotechnological processes, as well as sustainable technologies, was proposed for processing organic foods, aiming to retain desirable nutrients and eliminate undesirable compounds [60].

The interviewees’ future perspective of the OA in Portugal indicates some uncertainty, citing high prices of plant protection products and necessary equipment as potential obstacles. Others mentioned the potential for continued abandonment of small plots and stressed the need for measures such as increased support, land sharing, and land exchanges to drive future demand and investment in OA.

The importance of the adoption of product and process innovations by farmers, as they are fundamental to the competitiveness and differentiation of an agricultural company in the long term, was previously addressed [29]. Adopting this type of innovation, which is essential for achieving sustainability in the medium and long term, will lead to significant structural changes in agricultural businesses. Process innovation in turn improves resource efficiency, promotes the design of sustainable products, and contributes to the quality and range of products on the market. An important aspect is that innovation is expensive and risky and requires appropriate institutions and policies to drive incentives and facilitate the process, as well as the ability to identify the right technology to make adaptations according to economic conditions.

The target groups potentially most likely to adopt OA are young farmers, women, farm owners, those with a high level of education, and those with an off-farm income [28]. Moreover, a study conducted in Austria highlighted the relevance of organic farmers’ profiles, demonstrating that agricultural practices are influenced not only by technical factors and farm structure but also by farmers’ personal values, particularly their attitudes and motivations, which shape their decision-making processes regarding conversion to OF [61]. Multidisciplinary research at the intersection of agricultural and social sciences highlights the need for a dynamic balance crucial to ecological sustainability during the transition to OF. This conversion entails not only biotechnical adjustments but also transformations in farmers’ marketing strategies, values, and social networks. It requires a shift in research focus, from the plot level to the farm or landscape scale, from production to entire food systems, and from crop-specific changes to broader trajectories involving relationships with technology, nature, territory, markets, and consumers. Social sciences contribute essential methodologies that go beyond administrative approaches, emphasizing processes, temporal dimensions, and network dynamics [62].

4.2 Perspectives on the OA future needs

Q11 (Table 1): Of the 13 interviewees, eight (B, C, F, G, I, J, K, and L) indicate that they do not know how the future of the OA in Portugal will be, since the prices of plant protection products approved for OF, tools and other equipment needed in this mode of production are high and this implies a stable financial situation on the part of those who invest to acquire them. One person (E) mentioned that one of the problems that may continue and intensify in the future is the abandonment of small land plots (smallholding). Two interviewees (A, D) referred to the fact that it is necessary to adopt measures so that in the future there will be demand and a greater investment in the farming production system, namely more support (agricultural subsidies), cession of land, and creation of land exchanges.

In a study in the Centre of Portugal, it was found that sometimes producers want to increase the area of their farm, but they find it difficult to find land to rent or buy [47]. This difficulty can be explained by the fact that landowners prefer to leave their properties abandoned, regardless of the amount they can offer to rent or buy the land.

There are several reasons why farmers abandon OF. A study examining the economic and institutional determinants of withdrawal from organic production in Poland offers valuable insights, highlighting how policy uncertainty, insufficient financial incentives, and administrative burdens can significantly influence farmers’ decisions to exit organic systems [63]. Other reasons are related to the market and sales of products, the costs associated with production, the problems inherent in organic production, and personal reasons. There is a relationship between the decision to abandon OF and the demographics of the farmers. Thus, older, educated, and female farmers are more inclined to return to traditional farming. New organic farmers differ from their predecessors in that they are less committed to protecting the environment and are more business oriented. Another aspect that should be taken into account is the importance of subsidies in the decision to opt for OF [63].

In a study focused on farmers already in OF and others considering conversion to OF, in the center region of Portugal, generational renewal and the expansion of farm size were important factors to consider for the advancement of OF. The results also revealed that it is essential to develop training programs tailored to specific needs and to offer accurate and realistic information regarding both the challenges and advantages of OF [47].

The provision of direct support/subsidies strengthens policy decisions has been shown to have a positive impact on conversion to OA [64]. Financial support through agri-environmental and rural development programs has contributed to expanding the organically managed farms and areas under organic production in the EU countries. OA offers many advantages from a policy perspective and could be an important part of strategies that aim to improve the sustainability and equity of the food system [33].

The large-scale implementation of sustainable agricultural practices requires support through public goods (rural infrastructure, storage facilities, machinery), research, credits, insurance, education, and support for farmers’ organizations, cooperatives, and extension services (farmer field schools, farmer networks, or community seed banks). They are crucial to support the expansion of any sustainable agricultural approach, promoting the exchange of knowledge and contributing to social learning [65].

Regarding Q13 (Table 1), there was one participant (E) who showed the perception that there are organic farmers who are better informed than others, as can be seen in the following answer: “Entrepreneurs who have higher studies (bachelor, master, etc.) I believe they have more information about supports and projects. Older farmers, I don’t think they know about these supports. But this is something that is changing. In this agri-environmental issue, there are more people converting their farms to OA because there is support given by the EU, and these producers resort to technicians or associations to get this information.” Through the interviews, it also became clear that subsidies are not always seen as a better approach. “Organic farmers need to be clear about the financial aids. Farm subsidies are associated with corruption and that is false, because whoever is a good manager, uses the farm subsidies (…) because the farm subsidies reward those who perform adequate practices.” It was also mentioned that one way for organic farmers to be aware of the support for their activity is through associations, “One of the things that is also important is the fact that farmers are associated or linked to some association in the area of OA.”

It is recommended to support organic farmers’ efforts in building network relationships with diverse stakeholders in the organic food sector. Farmers need to enhance their knowledge and skills in production technologies and better understand market conditions, as well as the formal and legal procedures relevant to the OF sector [63].

From the perspective of the master’s students in OA involved in our case study, consumer awareness about OA and organic products can be increased through various actions, such as: (i) educating consumers about the benefits of organic products, including their health advantages, environmental sustainability, and the absence of synthetic chemicals; (ii) promoting organic products through advertising, public campaigns, and events; and (iii) encouraging consumers to choose organic options when shopping, thereby increasing demand and supporting organic farmers and businesses.

An interesting example is Agrobio, a non-governmental organization (NGO) founded in Portugal in 1985, to promote OA. It supports both producers and consumers through various initiatives. Its main activities include technical support for organic farmers, training, environmental education, research, promotion of local markets, organization of events, and publication of informative materials [66].

A survey of 262 Polish organic farmers aimed to identify barriers to the development of OF, focusing on production, economic, market, and institutional-regulatory dimensions. Over 80% of respondents rated production risk as very high, and nearly 60% as high, both during and after the conversion process. Most farmers indicated they would continue organic production only if financial support is available. They identified market conditions and institutional-regulatory constraints as the main obstacles to the growth of OF [63]. Rural Development policies have allowed the development of OA, but it is important to emphasize that other strategies are needed, without forgetting that, for the producer, the market is the core of the productive system [64]. More recently, in 2024, a special report about the gaps and inconsistencies hampers the success of the policy about OF in the EU was published [67].

The recent changes to the EU’s regulatory framework for OF, specifically Regulation (EU) 2018/848, which came fully into effect in January 2022, represent a significant transformation for the development of the organic sector across Member States, including Portugal [68]. This new regulation aims to strengthen consumer trust, simplify certification processes, and increase transparency (e.g., not only avoiding the contamination by monitoring control points or phases, but also having a proactive role in an eventual contamination - key factors for the sustainable expansion of the organic market in the EU.

On the one hand, these changes could boost Portugal’s organic sector by harmonizing standards and promoting technological innovation, encouraging producers to adopt more rigorous and sustainable practices, e.g., using organic seeds that are targeted by 100% until 2036 [69]. Furthermore, the inclusion of new rules on small-scale production and specific measures for local farming may support smallholders that represent a significant share of the OA sector in Portugal.

On the other hand, implementing the new regulation could be challenging, due to increased administrative and compliance costs for some producers – particularly small-scale farmers or those transitioning to organic production – which could hinder adoption and competitiveness. Additionally, balancing strict standards with the flexibility needed to accommodate different regional realities remains a debated issue, potentially influencing the pace and extent of standards adoption.

In summary, the new EU regulation has the potential to promote more structured and sustainable growth of the organic sector in Portugal but requires attention to the practical barriers faced by local producers, as well as adequate support policies to ensure an effective and inclusive transition.

4.3 Perspectives on perceptions of OA and farmers

For Q15 (Table 1), with the exception of two interviewees (I and K), all the others consider that society is not yet fully aware of the role of the farmer and one of the reasons given is the fact that agriculture is not well regarded by people in general, “the activity of agriculture in Portugal has always been linked to poverty, creating a cultural problem that is to maintain the idea that those who work in agriculture are those who did not study.” One of the interviewees (C) mentioned that “It is necessary to change the vision that the Portuguese have of farmers and then we have to change the vision of how they see organic farmers. When you hear in Portugal: ‘I am a farmer’, you immediately think that he or she is a ‘poor fellow.’” It is important to highlight another answer (A): “I think that many people still have no idea what agriculture is and how food is produced. For example, during the pandemic everyone kept eating thanks to the farmers who didn’t stop their mission. I don’t think people are aware or know what agriculture is, which means a need to change the perception urgently.” One of the interviewees (G) also mentioned that “I think it used to be worse than it is now, but even so, I think too many people still have no idea what agriculture is, how food is produced. And that urgently needs to change.”

It should also be noted that one of the interviewees (J) considers that it depends a lot on the profile of each person: “I believe that most people do not associate food with the work of the rural producer, especially in the cities.” Students and potential future farmers need to be aware of what the agricultural world is today and what it will be in the future. It is in the first and second cycles of basic education that the focus on introducing agriculture at school should be stimulated. Later, the student may become aware and acquire other types of skills that will lead him to want to deepen his initial knowledge of agriculture [70]. Sustainable agriculture models, which include OF, tend to focus on improving ecological sustainability through specific practices at the farm level. These approaches emphasize reducing chemical inputs, increasing biodiversity and climate resilience, often relying on technological and market-based solutions to improve productivity and sustainability [71].

This study has some limitations, notably the use of a non-probability convenience sampling strategy, which may introduce selection bias, and a relatively small participant group (despite achieving data saturation). These factors, reflecting the niche nature of the OA master’s degree and the case-study design, suggest that the findings should be interpreted with caution and may not be fully generalizable to the broader Portuguese population. Nevertheless, the insights gained offer valuable contributions to understanding the OA sector in Portugal from the perspective of graduates of the OA master’s program from ESAC. In fact, the primary objective of this study was to present the results obtained from a case study involving a group of participants with a shared profile which, to the best of our knowledge, has not previously been the focus of previous research. The study is intended to serve as a replicable model that may be used for comparative purposes in other institutions that offer a master’s degree in OA.