Demand For Organic Food Research Articles

Epigallocatechin gallate for Parkinson's disease.

In the last couple of decades, we have experienced increased use of nutraceuticals worldwide with a demand for organic foods, which has been elevated to an extent probably unmatched with other periods of our civilization. One of the nutraceuticals that gained attention is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a polyphenol in green tea. It has been suggested that diseases of the central nervous system can benefit from consuming some antioxidants, despite current results showing little evidence for their use in preventing and treating these diseases. ECGC may be beneficial in delaying the neurodegeneration of the substantia nigra regardless of the origin of Parkinson's disease (PD). This review covers the effect of EGCG on vitro and animal models of PD, the potential mechanisms of neuroprotection involved and summaries recent clinical trials in human PD. This review also aims to provide an investigative analysis of the current knowledge in this field and to identify putative crucial issues. Environmental factors such as dietary habits, drug use and social interaction are all factors that influence the evolution of neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, the use of nutraceuticals requires further investigation.

FORMATION AS A FACTOR IN CONSUMER DEMAND FOR ORGANIC FOOD

This article identifies and assesses the importance of informational factors in shaping consumer demand for organic food in Poland, using demographic segmentation criteria, including gender, age, education, place of residence, and wealth. The empirical data came from a survey conducted among 850 randomly selected organic food consumers in Poland in December 2020, using the CAWI (Computer Assisted Web Interview) method, accessed via an internet panel. The collected and structured empirical data are presented in descriptive, tabular, and graphical form, using comparative analyses. The results of the research have allowed for the construction of three original models of organic food consumers, with regard to information credibility and reliability. Additionally, the results confirmed the research hypothesis, which assumes that consumers who recognize the credibility and reliability of information concerning organic food products purchase them more often and spend more on them. Thus, in the case of organic food, the impact of credible and reliable information on the process of shaping consumer demand is clear: it constitutes a significant factor that triggers demand.

Influence of Geographic, Demographic and Psychological Factors towards Customer Intentions in Purchasing Organic Food in Sri Lanka

Organic food demand has seen an incremental increase in contemporary society, and it has affected different purchasing intentions of existing and potential customers. This study is concerned with assessing each influencing intentions by categorising them into three main categories to conduct a quality assessment. The organic concept is not a new concept to Sri Lanka, and Sri Lanka has got a prestigious cultivating system that appreciates environmental safety and poison-free cultivation and consumption. This study was designed to explore the influence of geographic, demographic, and psychological factors on customer intentions towards purchasing organic food in Sri Lanka. Research objectives are identified to evaluate the impact of geographic, demographic, and psychological factors on customer intentions towards purchasing organic food and identify the most contributing factor/s to customer intentions to purchase organic food. Since this study was related to social and cultural phenomena, a qualitative research approach was selected with the thematic analysis method for data analysis. The researcher mainly targeted individuals who have different purchasing intentions towards organic food. Individuals in Colombo and Kandy districts were targeted by a convenience sampling technique. Data were generated by conducting semi-structured interviews and observations in Goods market - Colombo and in Kandy district specific supermarkets. The researcher conducted the research by adhering to all ethical considerations and the significance of this study is that currently there is a gap in Sri Lanka with only few research projects conducted for organic food and its purchasing intentions, demand and market. The findings of this study will redound to the benefits of students (school and higher education students), academic and non-academic parties, businesses and society will benefit from this research. The study concludes that there were no clear geographical influences that were able to explore. The demographic influences of marital status, disposable income, and occupation were investigated, and they were able to disprove the existing literature on formal education, gender, and age. As psychological influences, perceived food quality differences, environmentally friendly mindset, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, religious beliefs, other personal motives, trust in the seller and organic food certification were explored.
 Keywords: Organic Food, Purchasing Intention, Geographical Influences, Demographical Influences, Psychological Influences

Lipid characteristics, bioactive properties, and mineral content in hazelnut grown under different cultivation systems

The demand for organic food is increasing due to the view among consumers that organic food is healthier and more nutritious. However, very limited data are available on the nutritional content of organic hazelnuts. The aim of this study was to compare the chemical and nutraceutical properties of Prime Quality hazelnuts grown with organic and conventional farming systems under the same climatic conditions. For this purpose, approximate, fatty acid, sterol and tocopherol composition, total phenolic, total flavonoid, antioxidant capacity, and mineral substance profile of hazelnut grown with both organic and conventional farming systems were determined. When compared to conventional ones, organic hazelnuts had higher saturated fatty acids, atherogenic and thrombogenic indices, β-sterol, total sterol, γ-tocopherol, total phenolic, total flavonoid, antioxidant activity, magnesium, calcium, and chromium, but lower protein, ash, unsaturated fatty acids, manganese concentrations. Finally, it is quite remarkable that organic hazelnuts have higher nutritional value in terms of antioxidant compounds. Novelty impact statement Organic hazelnuts displayed higher content of phenolic, flavonoid, and more antioxidant activity than conventional hazelnuts. Organic hazelnuts presented more β-sterol and total sterol than conventional hazelnuts. Organic hazelnuts contained more saturated fatty acids and less unsaturated fatty acids compared to conventional hazelnuts.

The Swedish consumer market for organic and conventional milk: A demand system analysis

AbstractIncreasing the production of organic food is becoming an important environmental target for many governments, and consumer demand for organic food is pivotal in reaching these targets. This paper studies consumer demand for organic and conventional milk, using weekly scanner data from the Swedish retail market for the years 2011–2017. Own‐ and cross‐price elasticities of demand are estimated using a quadratic almost ideal demand system. While previous studies on this topic show that demand for organic milk is commonly more price elastic than for its conventional alternative, this paper complements previous literature by (i) studying a market with relatively small organic price premiums, (ii) using a highly representative sample of retailers, and (iii) differentiating between private labels and brands. Results show that demand for organic milk is relatively elastic, despite relatively small organic price premiums in the Swedish milk market. Results also show that demand for branded products is, generally, less elastic compared to private label products, suggesting that consumers have strong preferences for traditional, regional brands. [EconLit Citations: D12, Q11, Q18].

Recommendations for Effective and Sustainable Regulation of Biopesticides in Nigeria

The global trend towards increased demand for organic food, greener environments, and the integration of biological control agents into pest management strategies has greatly enhanced the need for biopesticides. Biopesticides are made from micro-organisms or other natural substances and are, hence, generally environmentally friendly. However, despite their great potential—and in part due to regulatory challenges—relatively few biopesticides have been registered and commercialised in Nigeria compared to other African countries, such as South Africa and Kenya. Biological active agents are so diverse that applying the same safety standards to all of them is almost impossible. A comparative review of risk assessment processes of Nigeria’s biopesticide regulations with other developing African countries (South Africa and Kenya) and developed regions (the European Union and the United States of America) was conducted. Prolonged field testing, lack of bridged risk assessments, and technical checklists were identified as key factors hampering the research and development of biopesticides in Nigeria. Suitable amendments to the existing regulations guiding biopesticide formulation and utilisation in Nigeria are recommended. Risk assessment matrices for microbial and biochemical pesticides and a scientific/technical checklist have also been developed. It is apparent that harmonisation and data exchange among countries in the region could enhance the advancement of scientific and technical knowledge for sustainable regulation of, and cross-border trade in, biopesticides.

Consumer Knowledge and Perception about Fresh Fish from Organic Farming in Croatia

Abstract Along with growing consumer awareness about the impact of food on health, there is a trend towards increasing fresh fish consumption. At the same time, the demand for organic food is increasing in the modern market. Although fruits, vegetables and nuts have the biggest share in the organic food market in Europe, the aquaculture production of organic fish is also growing. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to explore the knowledge and perception of Croatian consumers about fresh fish from organic farming. An online and face-to-face survey was conducted on a sample of 303 respondents. Data analysis (univariate and bivariate) was performed using SPSS Statistics for Windows. Most consumers have medium and low subjective knowledge about fresh fish from organic farming, and objective knowledge about fresh fish from organic farming is low. Only half of the consumers are aware that they can buy fresh fish from organic farming in the domestic market. Half of the consumers have already consumed fresh organic fish, and half are willing to pay a higher price for fresh fish from organic farming. Compared to fresh fish from conventional farming, respondents consider fresh organic fish to be healthier, tastier and to have less fat, but also more expensive and less available.

Sunflower diseases control by biological fungicides

The demand for organic food has grown rapidly over the last 25 years in many countries of the world. Organic farming standards require the application of biological products of disease control. The article presents the material on studying the effectiveness of fungicides based on microbiological antagonists against sunflower diseases. We carried out the study in 2020-2021 at V.S. Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil Crops (VNIIMK) (Krasnodar). We established that the fungicides Geostim Fit type E, WS based on microbiological antagonists did not reduce the germination of sunflower seeds and actively suppressed seed infection. Their effectiveness against Alternaria spp. reached 50-74 %, against Rhizopus spp. – 74–100 %, against bacteria – 76–80 %. Double treatment of sunflower plants with BFTIM, WS (different strains) reduced the frequency of bacterial blight to 37 %, of dry rot – to 60 %, of Alternaria blight – to 39 %, of Phoma rot – to 41 %, and of Fusarium blight – to 75 %. The application scheme of Geostim Fit E (G), WS; BFTIM (E), WS; BFTIM (Zh), WS showed the best economic effectiveness with a seed yield of 3.56 t/ha, net income of 122 910 rubles, and profitability of 311 %.

МІКРОЕКОНОМІЧНИЙ АНАЛІЗ ЕКСПОРТУ ТА ІМПОРТУ СІЛЬСЬКОГОСПОДАРСЬКОЇ ОРГАНІЧНОЇ ПРОДУКЦІЇ В УКРАЇНІ

Microeconomic analysis of exports and imports of agricultural organic products in Ukraine. Organic agriculture is a way of conducting agricultural production on the conditions of sustainability, which with the help of natural, technologically unprocessed means allows to produce agricultural products - organic food. In recent years, Ukraine has seen a rapid change in the structure of the market for organic agricultural products. The progressive increase in demand for organic food is a consequence of a healthy lifestyle. Demand for organic products is the result of consumer demand for certified agricultural products using organic technology, producers' demand for organic raw materials for further processing and export volumes. The market supply for organic agricultural products is defined as the sum of the supply of organic products, which is formed by agricultural enterprises and the volume of products through imports. Demand and supply of organic consumer products in the world and in the European Union in recent decades have shown exceptional growth dynamics. In Ukraine, the market for organic products is small, but is growing systematically. In 2020, the domestic market for organic agricultural products was estimated at approximately 24.3 million euros. Domestic organic products are exported to more than 40 countries. Recently, domestic organic products are exported mainly to the Netherlands, USA, Switzerland, Germany, Great Britain, Lithuania, Austria and Poland. The main organic products exported from Ukraine over the past five years are corn, wheat, soybeans and sunflowers. The growth of the organic market for agricultural products is changing the role of exports and imports. However, in today's conditions, the volume of exports of organic agricultural products significantly exceeds the volume of imports.

Agrifood consumer competency and organic food purchase intentions according to food-related lifestyle: based on data the 2019 Consumer Behavior Survey for Food.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESThe increased consumers’ interests in health and food safety have increased the demand for organic foods. Many studies have been performed on consumers’ purchase intentions for organic foods and their influencing factors, and various studies have shown that the prices of organic foods and the consumers’ willingness to pay are important influencing factors. This study examined the payment value of organic foods and agrifood consumer competency index according to the food-related lifestyles in South Korean consumers.SUBJECTS/METHODSA cross-sectional analysis was performed using the 2019 Consumer Behavior Survey for Food. A total of 6,176 participants aged 19 to 74 years (male: 2,783, female: 3,393) were included in the analysis.RESULTSThree factors were extracted by factor analysis (rational consumption-seeking type, convenience-seeking type, and health, and safety-seeking type) to explain the consumers’ food-related lifestyles. The results of cluster analysis suggested that consumers were classified into 3 food-related lifestyles as the ‘exploratory consumers’ (n = 2,485), ‘safety-seeking consumers’ (n = 1,544), and ‘passive consumers’ (n = 2,147). Exploratory consumers showed a significantly higher willingness to pay for imported organic foods (P < 0.05). Safety-seeking consumers had a significantly higher willingness to pay for domestic organic foods (P < 0.05). For the agrifood consumer competency index, exploratory consumers had the highest score, followed in order by safety-seeking consumers and passive consumers.CONCLUSIONSThese results provide basic data in understanding consumption tendency for organic foods and agrifoods based on food-related lifestyles of South Korean consumers.

VITAMIN C, TOTAL PHENOLS AND ANTIOXIDATIVE ACTIVITY OF ORGANICALLY GROWN RED BEETROOT (BETA VULGARIS SSP. RUBRA) AND EFFECT OF PROCESSING

The demand for organic food is rising since consumers want food from reliable, highest quality sources originating from the environment, undisturbed by cultivation and processing. It is necessary to determine to what extent there is a scientific basis for the claims that organic food is of high quality. In this study, beetroot from an organic production system originating from 6 certified organic food producers from different geographic locations was examined. The organic beetroot samples were processed by pasteurization at 700 C and 900 C into beet juice or by drying at 550 C. The following samples were tested and compared: fresh beetroot, pasteurized beet juice and dried beetroot slices. The concentration of vitamin C, level of total phenol compounds (TPC) and antioxidative activity (TAA) in beetroot were influenced by the geographic origin and the applied processing method. The highest degradation for all analysed parameters was found in the samples treated by drying or pasteurisation at 90ºC. The lowest losses of studied phytochemical components were observed during juice pasteurisation at 700C. The correlation coefficient between TPC and TAA was high and significant (r2 = 0.966).

What Motivates Young Indian Consumers to Buy Organic Food?

Young people in India might be expected to contribute substantially to the demand for organic food. Yet little empirical research has been undertaken on the factors that drive organic food purchase of young Indians, and how organic food purchase intentions translate into purchase behavior. Drawing on the theory of planned behavior and informed by consumer behavior literature, this paper presents a model with five antecedents of organic food purchase intention and its relationship with purchase behavior. Survey data were obtained from 401 students at higher education institutions in North India. Through structural equation modeling attitude toward organic food purchases and subjective norms were found to significantly influence organic food purchase intention. Organic food purchase intention was found to strongly predict organic food purchase behavior. The research findings may assist Indian and international organic food producers and marketers in fine-tuning their strategies toward the particular demographic of young Indian buyers.

Value-Added Metabolites from Agricultural Waste and Application of Green Extraction Techniques

The agricultural sector generates approximately 1300 million tonnes of waste annually, where up to 50% comprising of raw material are discarded without treatment. Economic development and rising living standards have increased the quantity and complexity of waste generated resulting in environmental, health and economic issues. This calls for a greener waste management system such as valorization or recovery of waste into products. For successful implementation, social acceptance is an essential component with involvement of all local stakeholders including community to learn and understand the process and objective of the implementation. The agricultural waste product manufacturing industry is expected to increase with the growing demand for organic food. Thus, proper livestock and crop waste management is vital for environmental protection. It will be essential to successfully convert waste into a sustainable product that is reusable and circulated in the system in line with the green concept of circular economy. This review identifies the commercially produced crops by-product that have been considered for valorization and implemented green extraction for recovery. We highlight the importance of social acceptance and the economic value to agricultural waste recycling. Successful implementation of these technologies will overcome current waste management problems, reduce environmental impacts of landfills, and sustainability issue for farm owners.

Assessing consumer awareness, perception, and willingness to pay a premium for certified organic vegetables

ABSTRACT Global demand for organic foods outstrips supply creating a gap that developing-country producers may be able to capitalize on to expand market shares. In many African countries, the domestic market for certified organic vegetables is not well-developed to service rising demand. Most farmers remain uncertain whether premiums for certified organic vegetables will be high enough to warrant a switch from conventional vegetable production. The study assessed consumer awareness, perception, and willingness to pay a premium (WTP) for certified organic vegetables. A total of 250 vegetable consumers were sampled for the study. Perceptions of consumers and determinants of WTP premiums were obtained using perception indices and multivariate Tobit regression, respectively. About 71% of vegetable consumers were aware of certified organic vegetables. Consumers, generally, had a positive perception of certified organic vegetables. Vegetable consumers were willing to pay between 31% and 50% premium for certified organic vegetables. The socio-economic and demographic characteristics of consumers (household size, income, sex, age, education), attributes of certified organic vegetables (better taste, freshness, and health benefits), and awareness/support for organic certification were key determinants of WTP premiums. There is a significant price premium for certified organic vegetables to support the possible transition from conventional to organic production.

Value chain mapping of organic banana certified under the participatory guarantee systems in Kerala state

The rising demand for organic food is gaining momentum across the globe. Organic farming has seen an increase in demand due to increased awareness of human health and environmental challenges in agriculture, as well as appealing farm revenue. However, due to the high cost of certification and the demanding certification standards, many small and marginal farmers had backed out from practicing organic farming. But with the introduction of Participatory Guarantee Systems of Organic Certification by IFOAM, these farmers have a second chance to consider switching to organic agriculture. A study on the value chain flow of PGS certified organic product is important to understand the actors, enablers and core processes involved. A normal value chain consists of a structured networks of producers, marketers, processors, and service providers (including non-governmental organizations) who combine to expand supply and the value addition through their activities. This paper attempted to identify the value chain flow of PGS certified Nendran banana in Trivandrum and Thrissur districts of Kerala state by conducting a detailed survey with the stakeholders involved. The study also identified the constraints faced by the nendran banana growers in adopting the PGS system of organic certification.

Price promotion of organic foods and consumer demand

AbstractExisting studies have examined the demand elasticities for organic products only in select categories, and their results for consumers' sensitivity to price changes are inconsistent. Evidence regarding the effects of price promotions on the demand for organic foods vs non-organic foods is scarce. This study aims to (1) examine the own-price elasticities of organic foods vs non-organic counterparts both with and without a promotion in a variety of product categories, and (2) investigate how the distinctive promotion effects between organic and non-organic counterparts depend on food category features. Using purchase data for 36 food categories from the 2015 Nielsen Consumer Panel, we find differential own-price elasticities for organic and non-organic foods, regardless of whether the product is purchased with a promotion. When the products are purchased with a promotion, we find stronger price promotion effects of organic virtues than non-organic virtues and weaker price promotion effects of organic vices than conventional vices. Price promotions of organic foods are more likely to induce health-conscious consumers to switch from conventional purchases to organic purchases in virtues.

Attitudinal analysis of consumers towards organic food: A farmers’ perspective

Since the 1990s, as education has grown and people's perspectives on life have changed, there has been an increase in interest in organic food. Modern consumers' attitudes about nutrition have changed as a result of the increased prevalence of lifestyle disorders like stress and depression, preferring organic over conventionally cultivated food. As disposable income has increased, consumers have become more health concerned and are buying organic food in an effort to improve their quality of life. Organic food production, however, has numerous difficulties since farmers lack the tools and expertise necessary to safeguard their crops. Due to customers' scepticism of organic food's claimed high quality and farmers' lack of direct contact to consumers, demand for organic food is increasing even as supply is decreasing due to consumers' preference for conventionally cultivated food. Because they are less accessible and don't know the growers, consumers are sceptical of the advantages of organic food. Additionally, the knowledge of the food's organic component is limited among the shops that sell it. This essay explores the factors that have contributed to a change in Indian consumers' perceptions of organic food as well as the options available to organic farmers to change their perception.

Young consumers' purchase intention toward organic food: exploring the role of mindfulness

PurposeThe role of mindfulness in influencing green behaviors has been recognized in literature though it has not been explored sufficiently in the context of organic food. This study makes an attempt to explore the role of mindfulness in influencing young consumers' purchase intention (PI) toward organic food in India.Design/methodology/approachA total of 348 useable responses were collected through an intercept survey at organic food stores using a purposive sampling approach. Data analysis was carried out through structural equation modeling.FindingsMindfulness emerged as a significant predictor of behavioral intention. Further, the specific indirect effects of mindfulness through attitude, perceived behavioral control (PBC), drive for environmental responsibility (DER) and label reference willingness (LRW) were also significant.Originality/valueThis research is one of the initial efforts to link mindfulness with PI for organic food. The results could help the government and marketers tap onto the potential of mindfulness with regard to environment-friendly products and frame appropriate strategies for stimulating the demand for organic food in India

‘Health Halo’: A new opportunity for Organic Food in COVID upsurge

Purpose- In order to find out the health impact of organic food, this paper is a systematic review of prevalent literature that summarizes the health implications of organic food vs. non-organic food or conventional food on human health. With the upsurge in COVID cases globally, the demand for organic food has increased over the years. People have shifted toward organically grown food perceiving it to be healthy and safe for consumption which is also claimed to be an immunity booster. This paper not only underlines the health benefits of organic food but is also an attempt to find out the health halo if any behind such formed conventions and beliefs. Design/Method/Approach- The paper draws its knowledge from published work in reliable sources and attempts to understand the beliefs of organic food consumers. Findings- It was found that the people living in developed cities in India are aware of the prevalent benefits of consuming organic food products. They not only prefer organic food products but also consider them safe. Many states of India are working towards achieving the aim of getting 100% organic in the coming years. Various owners of supermarkets in India have witnessed a 30-40% increase in the sales of organic food in the last two years. Research Gap- Clinical research is required to further validate the claimed health benefits by medical professionals.

Organic Food: Nutritional and Environmental Considerations.

1. Sumathyuthee Kamalakannan, MD* 2. Irene P. Mathieu, MD* 1. *Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA The demand for organic foods has grown substantially during the past several decades. Due to the widespread perception that organic food is healthier, parents may feel compelled to buy organic instead of conventional products to provide the most nutritious option available despite the cost of organic foods being on average 10% to 40% more expensive than conventionally produced foods. Furthermore, families may be concerned about the environmental impact of conventionally produced foods. Currently there is limited evidence for the nutritional superiority of organic foods. In this article we summarize the available evidence on the differences between organic and conventional food products and describe the limitations of the evidence currently available. In general, organic foods are defined as those that are grown or produced without the use of synthetic chemicals, hormones, antibiotic agents, genetic engineering, and irradiation. In the United States consumers may find product labeling at the grocery store misleading. For instance, processed products that contain mostly but not exclusively organic ingredients can use the phrase “made with organic ingredients.” Products can also be marked “natural” if no artificial ingredient or color has been added. These labels can lead consumers to incorrectly believe that such products meet the definition of organic. This heterogeneity, and the fact that few people eat an exclusively organic diet, complicate studies to assess the health impact of organic foods. For many people, the decision to buy organic produce is rooted in its perceived health benefits. Compared with conventionally grown produce, organic fruits and vegetables have been noted to contain more minerals such as iron, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin C, and plant metabolites such as phenols and flavonoids. These metabolites function as defense agents for plants and may also have a role in preventing human disease. However, there is wide variation in the nutrient content of produce …