Organic food consumption: a literature review on motives and barriers

Abstract

In recent years, the consumption of organic food - sustainable consumption has increased significantly in many parts of the world. Besides the factors that promote organic food consumption behavior, there are also barriers to reducing the demand for this food. This study aims to present and discuss the factors that influence organic food consumption behavior. We review, synthesize, and analyze 86 studies conducted from different countries. The main results consist of theoretical frameworks applied in the organic food consumption context, motivations for organic food consumption behavior, barriers to organic food consumption behavior. The nine motivational factors are: concern for personal health; health attributes of organic food; food safety; food quality; sensory aspects; environmental concerns; organic food knowledge; social values; personality. Price; the lack of information and availability; doubt regarding certification/labeling and the lack of trust in stakeholders are considered as the main barriers. In addition, implications for further research are also discussed.