Organic Food Awareness in Turkey

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine which variables may affect consumers’ knowledge and awareness about organic foods in Turkey. The data was collected from 786 consumers who live in urban areas and it was analyzed by means of multinomial logistic regression model. The level of consumer awareness is calculated as 38%. A relationship was found between level of awareness of organic foods and consumers’ education and income levels, as well as earlier experience of organic food consumption and living standards. Education and income level are the most important factors affecting organic food awareness. It is suggested that regional general evaluation should be carried out in studies on consumer behavior. Organic food producers should focus on awareness of the consumer and building marketing system from urban areas to small towns. Increasing of public support is important to defeat high price disadvantage of organic foods. It is presented that organic food consuming rate could be increased by increasing organic food awareness in the research area.