The Preferences of Consumers for Organic Food Products: The Case of Samsun Province in Türkiye

Abstract

The decreases in the nutritional value of foods and food safety issues resulting from the methods developed to increase food production have become the most important nutritional problems encountered all over the world. To solve these problems, agricultural and food processing methods are purified from all kinds of chemicals, hormones, and genetically modified organisms. The aim of this study is (a) to determine which of the environmentally friendly and certified organic foods are consumed the most, consumer preferences regarding these foods, the perception of the consumers on the concept/definition of organic food, and the expectations of the consumers after organic food consumption, (b) to compare the perception of organic food concept/definition and post-consumption expectations of organic food consumers and non-consumers. This study was carried out in Samsun province of Türkiye where 19.6 thousand metric tons/year of organic agricultural products are produced. A total of 480 people participated in the study, of which 240 were consuming organic products and 240 were not consuming organic products. Results and statistical data were obtained using frequency, descriptive statistics, chi-square, and t-test. According to the findings of the study, more than half of the organic products consumed are milk, dairy, poultry, fresh fruit, and vegetable products. Most of the consumers agree that organic products are hormone-free and produced without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. However, those who are aware that organic products are certified products are mostly organic food consumers. Some participants still consider organic products to be only natural or farmer products. In terms of expectations after organic product consumption, both groups consider that the prices of organic products are high, sales points and market places should be accessible, purchasing attempt depends on income, and organic products are bought due to positive effects of organic foods on health, environment, and farmers.