Urban people's perceptions of organic products and their attitudes: An example from Turkey

Abstract

Interest in organic products that cause no harm to the environment, mankind and the world's natural ecosystem increases daily. Organic products have become a desirable type of product, especially in the case of healthy eating, primarily because of the harm caused by conventional agricultural products. The rate of preference for organic products by the user is of the most importance to ensure sustainable consumption habits. In this context, this study discusses the perspectives on organic products of people living in the four largest cities in Turkey (Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Bursa) and their organic product preferences. In the scope of the study, a total of 1378 questionnaires based on face-to-face interviews were compiled with randomly selected people. It was determined that the preferences for organic products are different among the cities. It was also determined that female participants (56.00%) and university graduates (34.10%) with middle-and upper-middle-income levels measurably prefer organic products. In this preference for organic products, environmental sensitivity, nutritional value and quality are important factors; however, it has been determined that high prices negatively affect user preferences.