The drivers of productivity in the organic beef sector in Ireland

Within the organic sector, the beef sector has shown significant growth and now accounts for 72 percent of total organic producers. However, there is a considerable lack of research into measuring productivity in the sector. This thesis aims to identify the key drivers of productivity in the organic beef sector, in order to contribute to the literature as to the influential factors that combine to achieve optimum and efficient production. A literature review is conducted that explores this deficit and the broader issues that affect organic beef productivity including the motivations to convert and the role of policy. The primary research focuses on both data from the National Farm Survey and from a survey issued to organic producers in Ireland to investigate the factors that may have a significant relationship with productivity performance. The results confirm the importance of farm management, policy support, market fluctuations, personal motivations, and research and development as drivers of productivity that should be incorporated into future initiatives to enhance and develop the organic beef sector in Ireland.