THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL RELATIONS ON ORGANIC FARMING DEVELOPMENT IN THE ŚWIDWIN COUNTY*

Subject and purpose of work: The article presents the role of social relations between organic farmers and organic farming environment (representatives of local government, non-governmental organizations) in the development of organic farming in the Świdwin County. The aim of the paper is to explore the role of local leader and social capital in the process of organic the farming development in selected geographical area. Materials and methods: The research is based on both the analysis of existing data and the results of the study (Individual In-depth Interviews - IDIs and Focus Group Interview - FGI) carried out in 2016 with organic farmers and organic farming stakeholders incl. representatives of local government and non-governmental organizations. Results: The study shows a positive correlation between high level of social capital and a strong sector of organic farming. The key significance is given to a local leader activity. Conclusions: The development of a close network of social relations between organic farmers, and between organic farmers and their environment (representatives of local government and non-governmental organizations) determines the development of a strong sector of organic farming in the area. An important condition for the organic farming development is also recognition of this type of resources by the local authorities