CONSUMER PREFERENCES OF ORGANIC PRODUCTS FOR ROMANIA

Abstract

The holistic production systems have been gaining more attention from the agricultural producer. This is due to the rising demand from the society and attached with increasing health concerns. While this is valid for developed countries, it is also gaining attention in developing countries as well. Driving out of these facts, it was intended to overview the consumer decision making process for organic agricultural products, specifically fresh fruits and vegetables and legumes by utilising primary data retrieved from Timisoara province of Romania. Due to the survey results of 2018, it was understood that demand for organic agriculture and its outputs is still a quality-price comparison matter for consumers and people with lower per capita income require price motivators. Yet, with rising income and level of education, quality-price assessment becomes more prevalent and people demand more variety of products. This confirms the income-demand co-movement for non-conventional products. It was understood that there is an interest for organic agricultural and food products in Romania as well, yet the level information is limited. Consumers are willing to be acknowledged but do not consider the conventional promotion tools as satisfactory. Non-conventional tools and increased consumer awareness are essential to increase the demand and corresponding farmer orientation on organic agricultural production.

Keywords

• organic agricultural products,demand,marketing,producer supports

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