Growth of organic production faces key obstacles

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Food ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Product Labelling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Agrarian Economy ◽  
Organic Products ◽  
Production Practices ◽  
Chemical Inputs ◽  
The Cost

Significance The organic production system is based on a set of cultivation and production practices that prioritise sustainability throughout the supply chain while guaranteeing fair working conditions. To ensure that organic food reaches the largest number of consumers and is financially attractive to industries, increased attention is being paid to certification of organic products. Impacts A decline in artificial and chemical inputs by the agrarian economy would help reduce the sector’s sizeable carbon footprint. Wealthier consumers will switch to organic foods as the COVID-19 pandemic increases their focus on health and immunity. Government subsidies for supporting the cost of certification are especially useful to small farmers. Digital technologies for agriculture such as product labelling will remove some of the barriers to increasing organic consumption.

scholarly journals Food for thought

2020 ◽  
Vol 122 (4) ◽  
pp. 1130-1155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Boban Melović ◽  
Marina Dabić ◽  
Sunčica Rogić ◽  
Vladimir Đurišić ◽  
Vesna Prorok
Keyword(s):  
Food Production ◽  
Organic Food ◽  
Product Category ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Social Implication ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Perceptions And Attitudes ◽  
Organic Products ◽  
Young Consumers

PurposeThis paper seeks to identify the factors that influence the perceptions and attitudes of young people in Montenegro toward organic products.Design/methodology/approachThe results of the research, obtained using the multivariate factor analysis, showed that the vast majority of young consumers identify organic food as healthy and natural and that its higher price is a significant barrier inhibiting their likelihood of purchasing it, along with inaccessibility and the limited options offered.FindingsThe data obtained provides valuable information for managers and decision-makers working in organic food production and sales in Montenegro – a country with the potential to develop in this field.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was carried out in the CEE transition country of Montenegro, with 300 young consumers. Further research is needed to validate the results through longitudinal study.Practical implicationsThe data obtained represents a meaningful contribution to the field of organic food production and sale in Montenegro (which is a country with a lot of potential in this area) and will assist managers and decision-makers in the field.Social implicationUnlike most research that has previously examined issues concerning organic production – such as its standardization, financing, environmental impact, and even its promotion – this paper provides a better understanding of the behavior of young consumers toward organic products in Montenegro by outlining their perceptions and attitudes toward this product category.Originality/valueThis research represents the first academic study of customers' attitudes and perceptions in this area, alongside the main factors affecting the young consumer's choice to purchase organic food in Montenegro.

Attitudes and behaviour towards organic products: an exploratory study

2008 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 158-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Efthimia Tsakiridou ◽  
Christina Boutsouki ◽  
Yorgos Zotos ◽  
Kostantinos Mattas
Keyword(s):  
Organic Food ◽  
Food Products ◽  
Local Economy ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Consumer Decision Making ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Actual Behaviour ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Organic Products

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to identify consumers' attitudes and behaviour towards organic products in Greece.Design/methodology/approachThis paper draws on a non‐probability quota sample of 660 respondents to explore the attitudes and behaviour of Greek consumers towards organic food products.FindingsGreek consumers seem to be informed about environmental and health issues. They seek information about the nutritional value of food and demand more products free from chemical residues. The results show that most consumers associate organic consumption mainly with fruit and vegetables. Although demographics seem to affect attitudes towards organics, their value in explaining actual behaviour is minimal.Research limitations/implicationsIt is recognized that the data gathered in this study focus on the metropolitan area of Thessaloniki, Greece. The specific area though, is considered to be representative of the total Greek population. The results confirm that health, concern for the environment, animal welfare and support of the local economy are drivers of organic consumption. However, there is an indication that the importance of motives and barriers may vary for different product categories and perhaps future research should focus on product segmentation.Practical implicationsAlthough certain similarities in consumers' attitudes towards organic food products have been identified, this paper records the variation in behaviour towards organics among the various consumer groups examined in Greece, and highlights the gap between attitudes and actual behaviour. Given the complexity of consumer decision making, future research should explore the other value trade‐offs that consumers make.Originality/valueThis paper attempts to provide evidence on the relatively under researched area of organics attitudes and behaviour in Greece.

Differences between organic and conventional leafy green vegetables perceived by university students

2019 ◽  
Vol 121 (7) ◽  
pp. 1579-1591 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diogo Thimoteo Da Cunha ◽  
Adriane Elisabete Costa Antunes ◽  
Julia Gabriela Da Rocha ◽  
Talita Gaspar Dutra ◽  
Catarina Vezetiv Manfrinato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Organic Food ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Blind Test ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Students First ◽  
Likert Scale Response ◽  
Cross Sectional Design ◽  
Organic Food Consumption

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate perceived sensory differences of organic and conventional leafy green vegetables through three sensory tests – blind, informed and inverted and the willingness to buy (WTB) them, and associated factors of organic food consumption by these students. Design/methodology/approach The research had a cross-sectional design with university students. First, a questionnaire with 16 statements was presented to 233 consumers with a five-point Likert scale response. The assertions were categorized into five domains: trust in organic production; trust in conventional production; positive attitude to organic; affordable price; and perceived quality. Afterwards, a hedonic scaling was conducted with 150 consumers, 50 in each type of test with conventional and organic leafy green vegetables: lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.); kale (Brassica oleracea L.); common chicory (Cichorium intybus); and endive (Cichorium endivia). Visual aspect, taste, texture, bitterness and overall liking for all samples were evaluated on a nine-point hedonic scale. Findings In general, the participants did not perceive sensory differences during the blind test, but when the information about the vegetables was provided, higher scores were obtained by those products labelled as organic in the informed test and in the inverted test (conventional labelled as organic). This effect was higher for students with stronger attitudes towards organic food. These results indicated that the perceived differences between organic and conventional leafy green by university students tended to be attitudinal and, therefore, can be greatly influenced by the information provided with the product. Originality/value This research showed that university students were influenced by the organic label, revealing their sensory perception about vegetables. This study had multiple methodological approaches, including hedonic scaling and consumers’ WTB. This combination allowed identifying the students’ attitudinal tendency in relation to their sensory perceptions of organic green leafy green vegetables.

scholarly journals Sustainable agriculture through organic farming in India

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 299-304
Author(s):  
Rajkaranbir Singh
Keyword(s):  
Organic Farming ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Organic Food ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Export Market ◽  
Chemical Fertilizers ◽  
Climatic Regions ◽  
North East ◽  
Organic Products

Organic products are grown under a system of agriculture without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides with an environmentally and socially responsible approach. Organic agriculture is developing rapidly and today 186 countries produce organic food commercially. Currently, only 1.5 percent of the world’s agricultural land is farmed organically. The status of organic farming in India is bestowed with lot of potential to produce all varieties of organic products due to its various agro climatic regions. In several parts of the country, the inherited tradition of organic farming is an added advantage. This holds promise for the organic producers to tap the market which is growing steadily in the domestic market related to the export market. India ranks 9th in terms of World’s organic agricultural land and 1st in terms of total number of producers. The popularity of organic food is growing dramatically as consumer seeks the organic foods that are thought to be healthier and safer. As per the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoAFW), 2.78 million ha was covered under organic farming in India which is about 2 per cent of the 140.1 million ha net sown area in the country. Of this, 1.94 million ha (70%) area is under National Project on Organic Farming NPOP, 0.59 million ha (21.5%) under Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), 0.07 million ha (2.6 %) under Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region (MOVCDNER) and 0.17 million ha (6.1% ) under state schemes or non-schemes. The certified organic production for all crop categories stood at 2.6 million metric tons.in 2018-19. Sugar crops (sugarcane), oilseeds, cereals and millets, fiber crops, pulses, medicinal, herbal and aromatic plants, and spices/condiments are the highest produced organic commodities in India. However, the Indian organic food industry is curtailed by multiple challenges including reduced farm production per hectare, a general apprehension among farmers to forego the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and higher storage and transportation costs due to the lack of preservatives required for long-term storage. The states should step up their action in a concerted way to promote organic and natural farming. States can play an instrumental role in helping farmers sell their organic and natural produce by developing organic value chains, procuring organic produce and helping farmers get remunerative prices.

scholarly journals Perception Towards Organic vs. Conventional Products in Romania

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 2394 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vasile Stoleru ◽  
Neculai Munteanu ◽  
Andrei Istrate
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Quality ◽  
Organic Food ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Consumer Perception ◽  
Market Segment ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Organic Products ◽  
Contingency Coefficient ◽  
Spss Software ◽  
Status Analysis

The aim of this study was to elicit answers referring to the consumer perception with respect to organic products. Factors that determine behavior were also considered: Gender, age, education, income, or social status. Analysis of data collected revealed that perception is the psycho-cognitive element that may determine the expression of behavior in relation to the organic production system. Furthermore, organic farming in Romania is a relatively recently formed market segment. The study was carried out by using a questionnaire developed specifically for this purpose, on a sample of 226 respondents. The data obtained from the survey were analyzed by employing the contingency coefficient and Pearson chi-square tests, using the SPSS software version 20. The perception of organic food is associated with its nutritional quality or sensory attributes (appearance, taste, flavor).

scholarly journals Применение экологического блока критериальных ограничений в экономико-математическом моделировании органического производства в АПК

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 151-156
Author(s):  
O. Yu. Voronkova ◽  
I. N. Sycheva
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Model ◽  
Agricultural Production ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Parallel Optimization ◽  
Production Volume ◽  
Agricultural Ecosystem ◽  
Environmental Criteria ◽  
Organic Products ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Mathematical Model

<p>The article presents a method of parallel optimization of structure of sowing areas for the calculation of economic-mathematical models. There models could be applied for traditional and oriented way towards organic production the land use system, characterized by the introduction of an additional unit of environmental criteria restrictions. We supposed that the provision of land suitable for organic production, gross production volume of organic products and the cost of its production. Based on the proposed methodology, the mathematical model proved its effectiveness of the functioning of the zonal agricultural ecosystem "Foothills of Altai". We calculated that the turnover of land suitable for organic production and the level of profitability was of 39.7% against 17.3% at optimization of the structure of sown areas under traditional agricultural production that was subject to full involvement in production of agricultural production.</p><p> </p>

scholarly journals Consumption and youth employment impact on production of Bulgarian organic products

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgi Aleksiev ◽  
Dora Doncheva ◽  
Konstantin Stoyanov ◽  
Konstantin Stankov
Keyword(s):  
Organic Food ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Local Market ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Planning Period ◽  
Organic Products ◽  
Analysis And Synthesis ◽  
Processing Plants ◽  
Food Market ◽  
Market Needs

During the current planning period of the Common Agricultural policy of the European Union, a newly formed Bulgarian organic production sector has rapidly developed. In the span of just three years – from 2014 to 2017 Bulgaria has risen to the top of the EU organic production charts for several products (mainly aromatic oils and honey). This was in part a result of a significant institutional support from CAP and the local government. The production has grown rapidly but the same cannot be said about the local organic food market. Consumers have severe reservations towards organic products, their higher prices and lack of confidence towards their quality and certification.Aim: To analyze the dynamics of production of Bulgarian organic products and the local organic food market in order to assess its sustainability.Design / Research methods: The methods used to solve the tasks are: analysis and synthesis, systematic and structural approach, statistical calculations. This study analyzes data from centralized sources as well as from own research.Conclusions / findings: There is still not enough bio-food processing plants in the country and with the necessary capacity to meet the local market needs. This has led to a clear export orientation of local bio products. Over the last two years, the construction and certification of processing facilities in the sector have begun and they are most often the result of foreign investment. Adding value to Bulgarian bio products is important for their recognition and trust by local consumers as well as those on international markets.Originality / value of the article: The underlined correlation between production and consumption of organic products in Bulgaria has never been fully researched.

Explaining market shares of organic food: evidence from Swiss household data

2016 ◽  
Vol 118 (4) ◽  
pp. 931-945 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franziska Götze ◽  
Stefan Mann ◽  
Ali Ferjani ◽  
Andreas Kohler ◽  
Thomas Heckelei
Keyword(s):  
Organic Food ◽  
High Price ◽  
Product Characteristics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Household Level ◽  
Household Data ◽  
Market Shares ◽  
Organic Products ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify those product characteristics that are of importance to consumers of organic food in Switzerland. Design/methodology/approach – In order to identify important organic product characteristics, this study applies a Generalized Linear Model using a six-year sample of Swiss household data distinguishing between organic and conventional products at the product level. Findings – The analysis reveals three product-related dimensions of importance. First, Swiss consumers prefer unprocessed organic products over highly processed ones suggesting that communicating potential benefits of organic food is more promising for unprocessed products. Second, organic consumers are reluctant to buy products with high price premiums. Third, Swiss consumers prefer domestically produced organic products over imported ones. Practical implications – The results imply that supporting organic agriculture in Switzerland is still promising from a policy and a marketing perspective as long as the organic price premium is not too high. Originality/value – This paper presents results regarding the determinants of the organic market share in Switzerland. They give a first understanding of which product characteristics determine organic market shares. From a policy as well as from a marketing perspective a further investigation at the household level is promising in order to understand and respond to the needs and expectations of Swiss consumers.

scholarly journals Local and Global Welfare When Regulating Organic Products: Should Local Regulation Target Production or Consumption?

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (14) ◽  
pp. 5492
Author(s):  
Haijiang Wu ◽  
Stéphan Marette
Keyword(s):  
Organic Production ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Local Market ◽  
Theoretical Point ◽  
Local Regulation ◽  
Consumption Level ◽  
Safe Technology ◽  
Production Site ◽  
Organic Products ◽  
The Cost

Based on a welfare approach using a partial equilibrium model coming from microeconomics, this paper analyzes whether a local regulation aimed at reducing risks due to pesticides should be imposed at the production level or the consumption level. This paper characterizes the economic impact of these possible regulations from a theoretical point of view. Local and nonlocal producers compete only in the local market regarding selling conventional and organic products. Local producers incur variable costs related to reducing the risk of damage resulting from their new organic production methods. A local policymaker maximizing local welfare chooses either a regulation that is imposed on its local producers via production requirements or on all local and nonlocal producers via retail requirements that directly affect consumption. We show that local regulation is selected for relatively large values of damage. In this case, the organic regulation is influenced by whether the damage is incurred by residents and the environment close to the production site or by consumers. If the damage is incurred by residents and the environment close to the production site, only regulations targeting the local producers are selected, which improves the profits for nonlocal producers. Concerning damage incurred by consumers after their consumption, each type of regulation is selected depending on the cost of the safe technology, but the regulation targeting the consumption level harms nonlocal producers.

scholarly journals Uwarunkowania zachowań konsumentów na rynku żywności ekologicznej

2019 ◽  
Vol 19(34) (1) ◽  
pp. 79-87
Author(s):  
Piotr Kułyk ◽  
Piotr Dubicki
Keyword(s):  
Food Quality ◽  
Consumer Behaviour ◽  
Statistical Data ◽  
Organic Food ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Local Market ◽  
Traditional Food ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Organic Products ◽  
Food Market

Understanding the changing needs of consumers is an important element of building a competitive advantage of the company. The aim of the article is to present consumer behavior on the local market of organic products. The article presents issues related to the organic food market. The concept of organic product was defined and characterized, control and certification of organic production as well as factors affecting food quality and demand for organic products were discussed. In addition, a survey was conducted on the local market to show the determinants of consumer behaviour on the organic food market. Based on the surveys carried out and the analysis of statistical data, it can be seen that the modern consumer is aware of what he is buying. The quality and composition of the product are the most important factors that influence the decision they make. Consumers are increasingly giving up the consumption of traditional food in favor of organic products.

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