Organic Without Certification : A Case Study on the Motivations of Farmers in the Village of Ogawa Machi to Become Non-Certified Organic Farmers

Abstract

In the 21st century organic farming has witnessed remarkable growth worldwide. However, Japan has lagged in this development, with a relatively low proportion of land dedicated to organic farming compared to the global average. This study investigates the case of Ogawa Machi, a village near Tokyo, where a significant number of farmers practice organic farming. Interestingly, all of them are operating as self-proclaimed organic farmers, none of the farmers in Ogawa Machi possess organic certification. This study aims to uncover the motivations behind their adoption of organic farming methods and their decision to forgo organic certification. This research was conducted as a case study. The farmers of Ogawa Machi were interviewed and asked to explain their reasonings for becoming organic farmers without applying for a certification. This paper reveals the reasoning that the farmers had for becoming organic farmers and the reasons for these farmers to not have applied for organic farming certification. These reasons are then discussed in the context of organic farming in Japan and in the broader context of non-certified organic farming around the world.