Does organic farming present greater opportunities for employment and community development than conventional farming? A survey-based investigation in California and Washington

Organic farming may present opportunities for job creation over and above those provided by conventional agriculture; this study is one of a small number to have empirically examined this proposition. We compared countywide averages of hired farm labor from the USDA's 2007 Agricultural Census with data collected through a mirrored survey of organic farmers in the same counties in Washington and California. Based on mixed-effects linear models to estimate differences (if any) in employment between organic farms and countywide farm averages, our analysis indicated that organic farms employed more workers per acre (95% CI: 2-12% more). Further, a greater proportion (95% CI: 13-43% more) of hired labor on organic farms worked 150 days or more compared to the average farm, suggesting increased labor requirements-and potentially more secure employment-on organic farms. We conclude the present study by considering possible policy implications of our findings with regard to organic agriculture as part of regional economic development strategies.