Identification of the Best Strategies for the Development of Healthy and Organic Production: A Study in Mazandaran Province, Iran

Abstract

Organic agriculture is a pivotal solution for achieving sustainable agricultural development and enhancing sustainability in the production of safe and healthy food systems. Consequently, policymakers, planners, and researchers worldwide have endeavored to expand it by focusing on key drivers and significant areas. However, organic farms have experienced recent declines in some countries. This study aimed to identify best strategies for developing healthy and organic production based on the perspectives of producers, who are crucial stakeholders in Mazandaran province, Iran. This region faces challenges with diminishing organic farming. The study employed a mixed-methods design, focusing on the strategic analysis of healthy and organic crop production. The study’s participants included healthy and organic farmers as well as subject-matter experts. In the qualitative phase, 34 development strategies were derived from 11 in-depth interviews with healthy and organic farmers using conventional content analysis. These strategies were then evaluated based on three criteria. In the quantitative phase, which involved a survey of 102 subject-matter experts, the strategies were weighted and ranked according to efficiency, feasibility and adaptability. The analytic network process (ANP) method was employed for this purpose. The results highlighted strategies such as “using less harmful toxins and fertilizers (organic and biological fertilizers),” “organizing educational and promotiDonal events to enhance consumer awareness,” and “ensuring the availability of essential inputs for producing healthy and organic crops” as the most significant, with the highest weights and rankings. These findings offer valuable insights for decision-makers engaged in the development of organic agriculture.