Possibly the single biggest constraint to the development of organic agriculture is that most people in all kinds of areas, including scientists, researchers, extension officers and politicians strongly believe that organic agriculture is not a feasible option to improve food security. For this reason, very few farmers can obtain information about this management system, even when they inquire about it. If those who make policy decisions on the allocation of resources, such as for research and extension, are not aware of the possibilities of organic agriculture, no positive consideration towards this farming system can be expected. The land-tenure system is important in assuring farmers that the future benefits of current farm improvements can be achieved. If this is not so, long-term investments which improve sustainability will not be made.
Organic agriculture differs greatly in input use from conventional agricultural systems.
Hence, there is little private interest in promoting particular inputs which are used in organic agriculture. Survey respondents in developed countries often mention the social isolation which organic farmers endure as a result of their choice of management system. This factor is also mentioned in literature in developing countries, but it is difficult to know how important an obstacle this is in a change. Other social obstacles can include the rights of other than the farmer to use materials such as crop residuals or animal manure. The advancement of organic agriculture to date has to a large extent been due to private investment.