Research journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology 4(7): 781-785, 2012 ISSN: 2040-7467 © Maxwell Scientific Organizational, 2012 Submitted: October 05, 2011 Accepted: November 02, 2011 Published: April 01, 2012 Corresponding Author: Farid Golzardi,Young Researchers Club, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran 781 Investigating Factors Affecting Knowledge of Agricultural Science Students of Bu-Ali Sina University of Iran toward Organic Farming 1 Farid Golzardi, 2 Shabnam Sarvaramini, 3 Kamal Sadatasilan and 4 Mahsa Sarvaramini 1 Young Researchers Club, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University Karaj, Iran 2 Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran 3 Payame Noor University, Iran 4 Department of Animal Science, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran Abstract: The purpose of this research was to investigate viewpoints of students about organic farming. The undesirable negative consequence of conventional farming has lead to the need and emphasis for new sustainable agricultural production techniques. Agricultural students play an important role in extension and spread of the system. This research was carried out applying a survey method. The respondents were 150 agricultural students from Bu-ali Sina University of Hamedan. Instrument of data gathering was questionnaire. Likert-type scales were used to measure knowledge and attitude toward organic farming. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was higher than 0.7 which was favorable. Validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by an experts’ panel. Data analysis was accomplished using SPSS. The results indicated that access to environmental information as well as the attitude toward environmental issues has positive and direct effect on knowledge toward organic farming. Based on the results, variables of attitude towards health within the framework of environmental attitude exert indirect effects of knowledge toward organic farming. Key words: Attitude, knowledge, norm, organic farming, students INTRODUCTION In the first period agricultural production was mainly in traditional form and involved use of non-purchased inputs. It mainly entailed soil-building practices, nonuse of synthetic inputs and use of non-chemical material like ash, cow dung etc. to control pest and diseases. On the arrival of the green revolution especially in the larger farms developed with an emphasis on high external input agriculture, as the cost of the external inputs continued to be unsustainable for the smallholders and the natural fertility declined rapidly probably due to toxicity problems of chemical fertilizers. Coupled with declining food security was poverty that resulted from low agricultural productivity, consequently calling for alternative sustainable production systems. In response to growing environmental and social concerns, steps are being taken by the agricultural industry to develop and use more responsible practices. Many farmers share concerns about the future of the food and fiber industry and some are taking action to improve their operations. “Without abandoning the quest for efficiency, they are trying to farm within more responsible boundaries. They want a farm that is not only profitable, but durable. The kind of agriculture they aspire to be usually termed ‘sustainable agriculture”’ (Northwest Area Foundation, 1994). Organic agriculture includes all agricultural systems that promote the environmentally, socially and economically production of food and fibres with a greater emphasis on soil fertility (UNCTAD, 2006). The increased demand for organically grown food has reflected consumers’ concern with food safety, genetically modified foods, pesticide residues, and the environmental impact of conventional agriculture (Fresh, 1996; LaTrobe, 2001; Misra et al., 1991; Zepeda et al., 2006). Previous studies have revealed possible economic, health, and technical barriers that influenced non-organic farmers’ attitudes about adopting organic farming practices (Hattam, 2006; Schneeberger et al., 2002). Such studies explained why non-organic farmers did not consider organic production as economically feasible (Darnhofer et al., 2005; Fairweather, 1999; Niemeyer and Lombard, 2003). Austrian farmers, for example, did not adopt organic practices for the following reasons: no compensation payments for organics and no willingness to forego net income for benefits of environmentally friendly farming (Darnhofer et al., 2005). Given the supply and demand for organic foods, it would be valuable to communicators, educators, and Extension professionals to understand non-organic farmers’ attitudes toward organic and non-organic agriculture and their barriers to adoption. Studying attitudes is a central field of social psychology, but it yet