Organic Food Research Articles

EXPLORING THE FACTORS AFFECTING PURCHASE BEHAVIOR OF ORGANIC FOOD: A STUDY ON DHAKA CITY

Organic food’s demand is expanding day by day as organic food is healthier and environmental-friendly compared to nonorganic food. The awareness of organic food also is rising in the Asia-pacific region. Consumers’ buying pattern of organic food has dramatically changed during the time. This study’s aim is to examine the predictors of purchase intention and consumer buying pattern of organic food in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data was collected from 310 organic food consumers and SEM (structural equation modeling) was used to analyze the data thorough using Smart PLS. The findings of the study showed that self-identity is the most important predictor of purchase intention of organic food in Dhaka, Bangladesh, health consciousness is the 2nd most significant predictor, and attitude is the 3rd most important predictor. Purchase intention is found to mediate the relationship between self-identity, health consciousness, and attitude with purchase behavior. The predictive role of subjective norm, moral norm, environmental concern, and the moderating role of trust and purchasing power were not proven in this study. This study provides important insights about the organic food market in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Consumer Attitude and Purchase Intention towards Organic Food in Kritipur, Kathmandu

This study examined the relationship between consumer attitudes and purchase intentions toward organic products in Kritipur, Kathmandu. Using a 5-point Likert scale survey, data from 57 respondents were analyzed through correlation and regression techniques. The results reveal a considerable positive impact of consumer attitudes, specifically health concerns and environmental care, on purchase intention, with an unstandardized coefficient of 0.854 (p < .001). Consumer attitudes explained 64.7% of the variance in purchase intention, confirming the critical role of favorable attitudes in promoting organic product purchases. However, contrary to the hypothesis, subjective norms had a negative influence on purchase intention (β = -0.261, p = .004), indicating that social pressures may decrease consumer willingness to buy organic products. The findings suggest that marketers should focus on increasing consumers' trust in organic products and emphasize the health and environmental benefits to increase sales. This study expands existing theoretical models by incorporating health concerns and environmental care as crucial factors influencing consumer attitudes towards organic food.

Optimizing Terminal Water Management in Irrigation District Using Water Balance and Genetic Algorithm

Water delivery management in China’s irrigation districts has traditionally prioritized the main canal system, often overlooking the water-saving potential of the final canals and field irrigation, which offer substantial opportunities to enhance water use efficiency and conserve agricultural water resources. This study summarizes and defines the integrated water management of final canals and field irrigation as terminal water management. An optimization method was developed to improve terminal water management, which includes optimizing irrigation quotas based on water balance and scheduling final canal water delivery to minimize seepage losses. A genetic algorithm was employed to solve the problem. The method was applied to the Hongjin irrigation district in Jiangsu Province, China. In 2020, paddy water management was observed, revealing that the irrigation amount for organic and traditional rice was 1113 mm and 956 mm, respectively. Conventional irrigation and water delivery practices have led to extensive drainage, significant rainwater wastage, and inefficient water use. The optimized irrigation quotas for organic and traditional rice resulted in water savings of 302.5 mm and 325.9 mm, respectively, compared to the 2020 monitored data. An irrigation event in early August during a 75% hydrological frequency year was selected as an example. With conventional scheduling, optimized final canal water delivery scheduling reduced the seepage losses from 6.3% to 4.6%, shortened the irrigation time from 17 h to 14 h, and stabilized canal flow rates. The proposed optimization method is a valuable tool for enhancing terminal water management and supporting better irrigation decisions in irrigation districts.

DEVELOPMENT OF ECOLOGICALLY BASED PRODUCTION OF AGRICULTURAL ENTERPRISES

Priority is given to the expansion of environmentally friendly agricultural production methods that minimize the harmful impact on the environment. The methods are based on rational nature management and compliance with environmental standards. The article is devoted to the analysis of the features of modern development of agricultural production aimed at ecologization, in order to create competitive advantages for enterprises of the agrarian sector in the conditions of modern challenges. Methods used in the article: theoretical analysis and synthesis of the test material, social and qualitative research methods. The ecologization of agricultural production is investigated, and measures that contribute to the transition to the use of organic production methods are identified. The advantages of organic production, formed in some environmental, economic, social areas, are highlighted. It is substantiated that the production of organic products is important in the context of the transition to ecologically oriented management. It contributes to reducing the negative impact on the environment and supports the sustainable development of the agricultural sector. Their consumption has significant benefits for human health due to the absence of harmful impurities and higher nutritional value. The main indicators of the dynamics of organic movement and the structure of the domestic market of organic products in Ukraine are revealed. The factors restraining the development of organic production and the market of organic products have been identified. The importance of the implementation of environmental programs by enterprises of the agricultural sector is described. These programs are directly engaged in organic farming and focus their activities on minimizing the negative impact on ecosystems and ensuring sustainable productivity. Foreign cooperation in the field of organic agriculture due to the provision of financial assistance to organic producers is described. It is proposed to introduce a comprehensive mechanism of state support for organic producers through economic, environmental and social levers.

Diversity and Distribution of Fungi in the Marine Sediments of Zhanjiang Bay, China.

Fungi are one of the major components of the eukaryotic microbial community in marine ecosystems, playing a significant role in organic matter cycling and food web dynamics. However, the diversity and roles of fungi in marine sediments remain poorly documented. To elucidate the diversity and spatial distribution of fungal communities in the marine sediments of an estuary-coast continuum across three distinct salinity regions in Zhanjiang Bay, China, the variations in fungal diversity, abundance, community structure, and distribution in the sediments were investigated through the application of high-throughput amplicon sequencing using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) primers. Additionally, the FUNGuild database was employed to assess the potential functional traits of fungi. A total of 1242 ASV sequences, affiliated to 144 genera and five phyla, were identified. Ascomycota (68.97%) and Basidiomycota (6.41%) were the dominant fungal groups, together accounting for 75.38% of the total relative abundance of the fungal community. Significant differences were observed in the α-diversity indices (Shannon index and richness) and β-diversity of fungal communities across the three distinct salinity regions. The fungal molecular network exhibited primarily positive species interactions, with notable structural differences across salinity gradients. The low-salinity group had a large network with high modularity; the medium-salinity group a small, simple network with high centralization, and the high-salinity group a compact, moderately complex network. Symbiotrophs, saprotrophs, and pathotrophs, being the three trophic types with the highest proportions, were estimated based on ITS. A redundancy analysis (RDA) indicated that salinity was the primary factor influencing the distribution of Ascomycota communities, while the distributions of Basidiomycota, Chytridiomycota, Mucoromycota, and Rozellomycota were more strongly affected by environmental factors such as chlorophyll a, chemical oxygen demand (COD), pH, and temperature. Our work provides new scientific data on the diversity, composition, and distribution of fungal communities in Zhanjiang Bay, which helps to understand the biodiversity of fungi in the estuary-coast ecosystems.

How pro-environmental consumption behaviour affects subjective wellbeing: the role of self-enhancement, ways of shopping and locavorism

PurposeBased on the value-attitude-behaviour (VAB) framework, the current research aimed to investigate the influence of organic food consumption, as a type of pro-environmental behaviour (PEB), on consumer subjective wellbeing, by considering (1) attitudes, environmental and health values as antecedents; (2) self-expression process (self-enhancement) and cognitive process (ways of shopping) as two competing mediation routes and (3) locavorism as a moderator.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed model was tested using data from a survey of 576 organic food consumers and the partial least squares (PLS) structural equation modelling.FindingsOur main findings confirmed a positive influence of the antecedents on consumption behaviour and suggested a stronger mediation effect of ways of shopping in the consumption behaviour–wellbeing link, giving support to the cognitive route. In addition, locavorism was a significant moderator for the cognitive route.Practical implicationsPromoting organic food can be based on cognitive persuasion by emphasizing objective benefits, such as nutritional facts, over emotional appeals. Moreover, marketing strategies can also increase organic food consumption by highlighting local sourcing, which resonates with locavore consumers.Originality/valueThrough a moderated-mediation approach, we demonstrate that the cognitive mediation route is contingent on the consumer locavorism, with an attenuation effect suggesting a critical role of locavorism and presenting novel insights for the link between pro-environmental behaviours and consumer subjective wellbeing.

Preface: 4th International Conference on Green Environmental Materials and Food Engineering (GEMFE 2024)

Preface: 4th International Conference on Green Environmental Materials and Food Engineering (GEMFE 2024)

CHANGES IN THE IMPORT OF ORGANIC PRODUCTS TO THE EUROPEAN UNION BETWEEN 2018 AND 2023

Food produced through organic systems is becoming increasingly popular among consumers and farmers worldwide. Growing demand is the primary driver of the organic food market’s development, contributing to the introduction of new products. This article aims to analyze changes in the import of organic products to the European Union (EU) between 2018 and 2023. The study employs data analysis, legal regulation review, and literature examination. It focuses on key trends, regulations, and external factors affecting the organic products market. The analysis includes import directions and identifies the largest suppliers of organic products. The findings reveal an increase in organic product imports, supplier diversification, and shifts in import structure. Importing organic products into the EU ensures the diversity and availability of food meeting the highest quality standards, preferred by many consumers. This is crucial in the context of exploring methods to achieve sustainable development. The article provides insights for policymakers and market participants, highlighting challenges and opportunities for growth within the framework of sustainable agriculture.

Physical and Chemical Conditions Affecting Spirulina Blooms in a Natural Waterbody in Rajshahi, Bangladesh

Purpose: Spirulina, an organic source of protein, antioxidants, and vitamins, is consumable for humans, poultry, and fisheries. Growing awareness regarding organic and vegan diets has created a spotlight on the commercial production of Spirulina, even in Bangladesh. In Bangladesh, major pharmaceutical and feed companies already produce Spirulina products, but the raw materials (i.e. Spirulina) are imported from different countries. Entrepreneurs and investors are not interested in taking the risk of financing raw material bulk production. Even there is a knowledge gap that Spirulina can grow naturally in Rajshahi. Methodology: The methodology used was a systematic literature review, which identified the knowledge gap. After that, a search was carried out to find Spirulina growing habitats. A waterbody with a Spirulina bloom was detected. Prescribed methods measured weekly data of physical-chemical conditions and cell density of Spirulina. Findings: The first report of Spirulina, a cyanobacterial bloom, was reported from a waterbody in Rajshahi, Bangladesh in this study. During the study period, the abundance of Spirulina varied from 4.65 x 107 -5.7 x107 cells/L. The major physical-chemical factors of water during bloom were found to vary as air and water temperature 19- 25°C and 18- 20.67°C, pH 8.00 -11.00, transparency 5-20 cm, dissolved oxygen 1.67 – 9.42 mg/l, alkalinity 28.20- 170mg/l, hardness 28.20 – 188mg/l and BOD 3.00 – 5.97mg/l. The water body in the urban area receives organic load from households nearby regularly. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: The data and results support that Rajshahi's climate is suitable for producing Spirulina; thus, its commercialization is possible in this region of Bangladesh. The findings will inspire investors and entrepreneurs to invest in the Mass production of Spirulina for commercialization in northern Bangladesh. Even policymakers may formulate a long-term production strategy for Spirulina production to fulfil the local and international market demand.

Consumer Behavior on Organic Food in Kathmandu Valley

The increasing consumer interest in organic food reflects a global shift toward healthier lifestyles and sustainable consumption. This study explores the factors influencing consumer behavior and the challenges faced by the organic food market. The objective is to identify the drivers of consumer preference for organic food and evaluate the barriers that limit its market expansion. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining an extensive review of relevant literature with the analysis of empirical data from surveys and market reports. Findings indicate that health consciousness, environmental awareness, and the perceived quality of organic food are the primary motivators for consumer preference, with a willingness to pay a premium price being common among consumers. However, challenges such as limited accessibility, high costs, lack of standard certification systems, and insufficient consumer knowledge about organic products undermine the market's growth potential. The study concludes that addressing these barriers through targeted interventions, such as improving supply chain efficiency, standardizing certifications, and increasing consumer awareness campaigns, could significantly enhance the adoption of organic food. The research contributes to the existing literature by offering a holistic view of consumer behavior in the organic food market, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to promote sustainable consumption.

A Comprehensive Study On Agriculture Industry

This study examines the impact of consultancy services on the transition to organic agriculture, focusing on soil management, pest control, certification, and market access. By analyzing the operations of Visual Agrotech Organic Pvt. Ltd., the research highlights how consultancy improves productivity, enhances environmental sustainability, and ensures economic benefits for farmers. Keywords: Organic Agriculture, Consultancy Services, Soil Management, Pest Control, Organic Certification, Market Access, Sustainable Farming, Organic Produce, Supply Chain in Agriculture

Linking brand trust and attitude with purchase intention of indian organic food customers: An S–O-R Model based analysis

Linking brand trust and attitude with purchase intention of indian organic food customers: An S–O-R Model based analysis

Optimizing Cowpea Cultivation in Saline Hydromorphic Soils: A Sustainable Approach for Kaipad Agroecosystems

Kaipad lands, a distinct coastal agro-ecosystem located in northern Malabar, Kerala, are characterized by saline-prone hydromorphic soils that pose significant challenges for traditional rice cultivation. The unique conditions of periodic waterlogging and salinity necessitate the exploration of alternative crops to enhance agricultural sustainability. This study investigates the suitability of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L Walp) as a resilient leguminous crop for cultivation in traditionally organic rice growing problematic soils. Cowpea, known for its adaptability to diverse environmental conditions, nutritional value, and economic importance, presents a promising option for farmers facing the limitations of organic rice production. A pot culture experiment was conducted to assess the impact of potassium solubilizing bacteria (KSB) on cowpea growth and yield in saline hydromorphic soils. Treatments included combinations of KSB with various potassium sources, such as feldspar and mica, used as alternate sources for potassic fertilizers. Results demonstrated that KSB significantly improved growth parameters, including plant height, leaf area, total dry matter production, and pod and grain yields, compared to control. Soil analysis revealed enhanced availability of potassium and other essential nutrients in KSB-treated soils, indicating a synergistic effect on nutrient solubilization in aerobic conditions. The findings suggest that cowpea, supported by KSB application, can be effectively cultivated in problematic Kaipad lands, offering a viable alternative to traditional rice farming while promoting sustainable agricultural practices. This research highlights the potential for diversifying crop production in saline-prone areas, ultimately contributing to food security and economic resilience in coastal agro-ecosystems.

Navigating the Paradox: Materialism, Sustainable Practices and Well-Being in Emerging Markets

In emerging markets, the prevalence of materialistic tendencies has intensified consumption, impacting both the environment and consumer well-being. This research examines the paradoxical relationships between materialism, sustainable practices and consumer well-being through two cross-sectional studies. We explore linear and curvilinear relationships among these concepts across two sustainable practices (organic food consumption) and post-consumption (disposal of electronic waste). Study 1 investigates the relationships between organic food consumption, materialism, hedonic and eudaimonic well-being. In Study 2, we replicate the investigation, focusing on post-consumption practices, particularly the relationship between electronic waste disposal, materialism and life satisfaction as a dimension of subjective well-being. Findings reveal that materialistic values can motivate both sustainable and post-consumption practices, ultimately contributing to consumer well-being. Furthermore, to some extent, materialism can moderate the association between sustainable consumption and well-being. This research provides insights for promoting sustainable consumption and post-consumption practices in emerging markets.

Transformation towards Organic Cassava Production in Yasothon Province, Thailand

With the marked increase in consumer and commercial demand for organic foods and products, organic cassava production has become a viable alternative for small growers because it can lead to the sustainability of the agriculture and food production system. However, few studies have been conducted to enable a more comprehensive understanding of the factors that contribute to the transformation from chemical into organic cassava production systems. This study quantitatively aimed to identify socioeconomic, cassava profitability, and institutional factors that influence the cultural practice transformation towards organic cassava production in a district of Yasothon province, Thailand. We used a structured interview schedule to collect data from 283 sampled cassava growers comprising 236 chemical cassava growers and 47 organic cassava growers in the district during the period from August 2020 to November 2020. Quantitatively, we used the binary logistic regression method to identify the positive and negative factors contributing to the transformation of cassava production systems including growers’ motivations for the transformation. The study findings indicated that income from organic cassava was taken as the main motivation for growers’ decisions to transform (40.3%). We found that organic cassava farm gate price, access to formal credit, labor used and membership in growers’ organizations were positive significant factors that affected the cultural practice transformation. Finally, small cassava growers as well as stakeholders should systemically be considered by policymakers and in strategic intervention through relevant institutions.

Role of Organic Products for Achieving A Sustainable Green Economy

Sustainable green economy is the need of time, and orogenic products can play a decisive role in this goal. Growing demand for organic food is due to the increase in disposal income at urban along with the Government supports, innovative technologies & investments and these factors are the drivers for organic farming and its marketing. These drivers provide immense potential and scope for the Indian organic sector but there are many challenges faced at producers, processors and consumer level, low consumption of Orogenic products is a serious concern of researchers and policymakers. To address this issue, we have studied the phenomenon in rural areas and provided insights to researchers and policymakers about the factors that influence the consumers’ behaviour in rural areas awareness among consumers, the high cost of organic food products, limited availability of organic food products, busy work schedule are Challenges faced by Consumer level We have designed an integrated model based on PCA to study the rural areas consumers’ behavioural intentions towards Orogenic products. 300 useable sample is obtained to analyse by implying PCA- Model. Results revealed that environmental knowledge is a significant predictor and a moderator, but consumers are less educated about ecological issues in rural areas. Results also revealed that Orogenic products and non-orogenic products users or consumers’ preferences are differently influenced by factors studied to measure adoption intentions of orogenic products. Sensitivity analysis results revealed that social influence followed by effort expectance and perceived expectancy of orogenic products are more important for rural areas’ customers. The study also provides empirical evidence of methodological advancement using PCA- Model, Multiple Regression Model and ANOVAand these studies involving human behaviour.

Profitability of Organic Versus Conventional Rice Production: An Evidence from South Asia

Rice, a staple and cash crop in South Asia, is vital for small-scale farmers, but concerns about the profitability of organic farming challenge its adoption despite its environmental benefits. The present study was conducted in the Rice-Wheat zone of three South Asian countries to make a comparison of profit efficiency in rice production under organic and conventional farming systems and to examine factors affecting profit efficiency. A multistage sampling technique was employed to collect cross-sectional data. Profit efficiency was determined by employing Cobb Douglas's functional form of stochastic profit frontier. Results show that the mean profit efficiency of organic rice growers is 0.89 less than conventional rice growers (0.910) in Pakistan. The mean profit efficiencies of organic growers are higher than conventional growers in Nepal and Bangladesh. Education and the role of the extension department are important factors in increasing the efficiency of organic and conventional farming while access to credit and experience in rice farming are significant in reducing inefficiencies in conventional rice farming. The study concludes that the education of farmers, the role of extension services, and easy credit access are key policy variables to improve profit efficiency.

Retraction notice: Purchase intention of organic foods: are lifestyles of health and sustainability the reason for my purchase decision?

Retraction notice: Purchase intention of organic foods: are lifestyles of health and sustainability the reason for my purchase decision?

P99 Dietary habits including use of nutritional supplements and adherence to national dietary guidelines in patients with psoriasis: a cross-sectional study

Abstract The potential role of diet in psoriasis has been the subject of considerable interest in recent years, yet the evidence remains limited. This study aims to describe the dietary habits of patients with psoriasis, including the use of nutritional supplements and adherence to national dietary guidelines. This cross-sectional study included patients with psoriasis from a prospective observational cohort from a university hospital. At inclusion or at the annual visit, the participants completed a questionnaire about dietary habits. Anthropometric measurements and information about treatments were recorded by a healthcare professional. We enrolled 466 participants in this study, with a mean age of 49 (SD ± 16) and 44% of whom were women. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 28.3 (±6.5), with 66% of the participants being overweight or obese. Eighty-one per cent of the patients received systemic treatments (conventional therapies or biologics) and 19% solely used topical therapies. The median psoriasis area and severity index was 2.5 (range, 0–40.8). In the self-reported questionnaire about dietary habits, 53% participants indicated that they adhere to a ‘a healthy and varied diet’, whereas 39% stated that they do not follow any specific diet. Around 18% reported to eat organic food, and 5% followed a vegan or vegetarian diet. Almost 10% reported to practice some kind of intermittent fasting. Only very few participants followed other diets such as Mediterranean (4%), Ketogenic/Low Carb High Fat (3%), or anti-inflammatory diet (2%). Half of the participants reported eating wholegrain and vegetables daily, and 73% marked eating fast food less than once a week. However, more than half of them also reported consuming sweets several times a week or daily. When comparing the dietary habits of the participants to guidelines from the national health authorities, 90% showed high or intermediate adherence to these guidelines. Notably, 34% of participants with mild psoriasis showed a high adherence to guidelines compared with 16% with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Interestingly, only 16% experienced that specific food products triggered their psoriasis, most commonly being alcohol, sugar, and processed food. Even fewer (7%) experienced that specific food products improved their psoriasis. Regarding nutritional supplements, 37, 41, and 23% of the participants reported daily use of multivitamins, vitamin D supplements, and omega-3, respectively. In conclusion, most participants reported following ‘a healthy and varied diet’, and a healthy dietary pattern was confirmed when comparing the intake of specific food products to the national dietary guidelines, with 90% of the participants showing either high or intermediate adherence to the national dietary guidelines.

Young adult consumer’s perception of value proposition towards organic foods: a tweet based analysis using NVivo

Young adult consumer’s perception of value proposition towards organic foods: a tweet based analysis using NVivo