Current situation of organic product consumption and factors affecting consumption: The case of Isparta province, Turkey

The study aimed to determine the knowledge levels of consumers living in the city centre of Isparta province about organic products, their organic product consumption preferences and the factors affecting their organic product consumption. In determining the number of questionnaires, "clustered one-stage simple random probability sampling based on population ratios" method was used. The main material of the study was the data collected by face-to-face interviews with 384 consumers living in the urban area of Isparta province, Turkey. Chi-square analysis was applied to the data obtained in the study. According to the research results, it was determined that consumers generally defined organic products as natural products (73.18%). It was seen that 72.40% of the participants consumed organic products. It was also determined that the most important factor in consumers' preference for organic products was the health factor. The most consumed organic products were fresh fruit and vegetables, eggs and milk, respectively. It was determined that consumers paid attention to buy organic products from reliable places. The 43.17% of consumers consuming organic products stated that they had certificates in the products they purchase. It was determined that consumers bought organic products from villages, neighborhood markets, and producers. The vast majority of consumers emphasized that the prices of organic products were expensive. 84.53% of consumers thought that there was not enough promotion about organic products. Furthermore, the internet was the source of information for consumers about it. As a result of the Chi-square analysis made in the research, it was determined that the relationship was statistically significant between the education level, monthly income level, household size, year of residence in Isparta, and organic product consumption.