Targeting Extension Efforts for the Adoption of Sustainable Farming Practices

Factors affecting the adoption of sustainable practices by onion and sweet corn growers are described. Telephone and mail surveys were used to assess growers' perceptions and actual use of sustainable agricultural practices. Results illustrate that differences in land ownership, education and crop acreage influence a growers use of sustainable practices. Access to information, farming experience and time constraints all influence cropping patterns. Research and Extension efforts therefore need to be tailored to the unique needs of these different commodity groups.