Naslov
Consumer perceptions of organic food in Croatia

Autori
Svržnjak, Kristina ; Jerčinović, Silvije ; Perčec, Nikolina ; Firšt-Godek, Lidija

Izvornik
Progress in agricultural engineering sciences (1786-335X) 1-2 (2011); 35-39

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, ostalo

Ključne riječi
organic food ; food production ; organic agriculture ; consumer perception of organic food

Sažetak
In the past decade, both worldwide and in Croatia, have increased interest of organic products production, and that is result of several factors. The most important of them are linking agriculture and tourism, improving the overall tourism supply, increased consumer concerns for health and large area of uncultivated land suitable for organic production. Croatia has a very good basis for creating a specific environmental identity in the eyes of domestic customers as well as to export their organic products to the countries with higher standard. Croatia has many comparative advantages for development of organic food producing. Geographic conditions for dealing with organic farming in Croatia are very favorable. The diversity of climate, soils, crops, environmental situation, structure and diversity of economic activities, there are great advantages for the development of ecological agriculture. But, there currently exists a gap between the great importance of organic production from one side and concrete figures on arable area, production volume and the number of eco-producers. All efforts to establish organic agriculture in Croatia are neither simple nor easy, but they are certainly necessary and cost effective. Although in recent years the organic food land area is doubled, but that figures are still negligible, reaching only half a percent of total agricultural land. If these figures would be compared with the share of organic area in the member states of the European Union, which ranges from five to ten percent, backlog is appreciable. The main objective of this study was to examine the consumer perception of organic food according to factors that encourage them to the consumption of organic products, and to examine their understanding of the concept of ecological agriculture. In accordance with the set objective, questionnaire was conducted in September 2009. The sample consisted of 102 randomly selected consumers of organic products. The research data are important for both, food producers and traders. They indicate the improving key elements of the placement of Croatian organic products, increasing availability of organic food to the average Croatian consumers and increased production surfaces of organic products. In addition, research data will serve to the organic producers as an information medium in the creation of future promotional options of organic products. Given the good geographical location, proximity to developed central and western European countries, i.e. the market where organic products are highly demanded, marketing of organic products would be secured. Another favorable factor is the intensive development of tourism, which means that most of the products could qualify directly for the domestic market that is involved in the tourist industry.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Poljoprivreda (agronomija), Ekonomija

Napomena
HU ISSN 1786 3422

POVEZANOST RADA