Succession in small family organic farms in Poland – conditions and barriers

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to present the results of research on the determinants of succession in small family farms engaged in organic production in Poland. Particular attention is given to identifying farm owners’ attitudes toward the process of transferring the farm to the next generation. Design/methodology/approach: The study was based on an analysis of surveys conducted among 128 small farms, as well as on in-depth individual interviews (IDIs) carried out with 15 participants. The survey questionnaire included questions regarding the age of farmers, the presence of a potential successor, willingness to transfer the farm, and the attractiveness of the farm to successors. The interview questionnaire included questions concerning the reasons for perceiving a farm as attractive and the reasons for developing farms when the goal is their transfer. Findings: The research results indicate a clear succession problem in small organic farms in Poland, mainly resulting from the aging of farmers and the limited number of potential successors. Despite a high declared willingness to transfer farms to the next generation, only a small proportion of respondents have a clearly identified successor, which indicates a low level of actual succession planning. Research limitations/implications: The main limitations of the study concern the relatively small number of organizations surveyed, which may limit the ability to generalize the results. Additionally, the analysis is based on subjective assessments by respondents, which may lead to some measurement errors. Practical implications: The research results provide practical guidance for farm owners and institutions supporting agricultural development, emphasizing the importance of early and deliberate succession planning. Originality/value: The article contributes a new, empirical perspective to the literature on succession processes in small family organic farms in Poland. It provides data on the actual identification of successors and the factors that stimulate or hinder the succession process. It also stands out by taking into account the specific characteristics of organic farms, allowing for a better understanding of the challenges and barriers to succession in the context of modern, sustainable agriculture. Keywords: Succession, Small family farms, Strategy, Organic farming, Management. Category of the paper: Research paper.