Perception of The Younger Generation (Gen Z) Towards The Farming Profession Case Study of Students of The Faculty of Agriculture, Pattimura University

Abstract

The negative perception of the younger generation towards the farming profession has the potential to threaten the sustainability of the national agricultural sector. This study aims to analyze the perception of Faculty of Agriculture students towards the farming profession and the factors that affect the interest of Generation Z using primary data in 2025 (n= sample from students). Descriptive analysis showed negative overall perceptions (mean 2.56, "Disagree" category), low on welfare (2.28), convenience (2.04), and prestige (2.19), but high on the role of food security (3.75). Feasible logistic regression model (Hosmer-Lemeshow Sig.=0.830; Nagelkerke R²=0.244) revealed a significant influence of land ownership (B=1.240; Sig.=0.014) and family environment (B=-1.338; Sig.=0.027) on farming interests, while gender and parental occupation were insignificant. The findings emphasize the urgency of interventions to improve the image of the farmer profession to increase the interest of the younger generation.