Identification of Organic Milk Production Potentials and Requirements in Rural and Tribal Areas from the Viewpoints of Ardabil Provincial Animal Husbandry Experts

Organic farming involves the use of indigenous knowledge and experiences and new scientific information to reduce or control use of different chemicals and drugs in the production of animal products, including organic milk, which is a flow and promising product produced in different countries across the world. The purpose of this study was to identify the potentials and prerequisites of organic milk production in rural and nomadic areas from the viewpoints of experts in Ardabil province. This study was a descriptive-correlation research in which statistical population consisted of experts  from  Organization of Jihade-Agriculture and consultancy-technical private companies in Ardabil province (N=200) out of which a sample of 130 people were selected in accordance with Krejtsy & Morgan sampling table. Stratified proportionate random sampling technique was applied to select the samples. For collecting data, a questionnaire was developed based on an information provided by literature review. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by expert judgment who were some people working in the area of  organic production and faculty members of in the Department of Agricultural Management and Development in the University of Tehran. The reliability of the interview instrument was assessed by using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, its values were found between 0.85 and 0.94, respectively. The data analysis has identified five potentials viz., economic, environmental, technical, production and yield-related. The results also showed that seven basic requisites for organic milk production are social, economic, research, regulatory, institutional, education and awareness and policy implications. According to the results, Ardabil province has substantial potential for organic livestock production, including organic milk, which requires the creation of basic infrastructure in various fields.