Analysis of Youth Farmer Involvement in the Application of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) of Organic Rice

Abstract

Food production from quality organic rice requires the existence of standards for organic good agricultural practices (GAP) followed and applied by all organic rice farmers. The application of these standards is often an obstacle for farmers because of their limitations in applying innovation technology in organic farming standards. Youth farmers are the next generation of agriculture who are more sensitive to changes in agricultural technology and innovation so that they can help development in organic rice cultivation. This research aims to determine the involvement of youth farmers in rural areas in the application of Standard Operational Procedure of Good Agricultural Practices (SOP-GAP) of Organic Rice and determine the effect of the application of SOP-GAP on organic rice production in Boyolali Regency. This descriptive research was conducted with the survey method and the data were analyzed using two stage least square. The results showed that there were only three variables that influenced the application of the SOP-GAP, namely land area, the role of youth farmers as facilitators and liaison. This finding shows the influence of the closeness of young farmers with the use of organic technology so that it can help in the application of SOP-GAP. Other findings also show that SOP-GAP has a weak effect on organic rice production. Various efforts need to be made to improve the role of youth farmers in developing organic rice, among others, by showing prospects and opportunities for high income from organic rice farming and emphasizing that agriculture can also be packaged and managed digitally by utilizing technology that is of interest to youth farmers.