Defining the factors that will motivate producers' gum production preferences

This study aims to define the factors that will motivate producers to encourage mastic gum production in the Çeşme district, where mastic gum production is intense. The main material of the research was obtained from the survey forms conducted through face-to-face interviews with the producers. Non-probability sampling methods, and producers who grow mastic trees and have a high potential for growing mastic trees were included in the study. Among the 105 producers surveyed, it was determined that 18 producers cultivate mastic gum while 87 producers do not. As a result of the study, land use, initial financial support, consultancy, and input supports are preferable to the other possible supporting tools in gum farming enterprises. It is explored that consultancy, land use, and start-up financing supports are at the top of the list in enterprises where gum cultivation is not carried out. When the reasons for the producers to start gum farming in the enterprises that grow gum trees are evaluated in general, factors such as the fact that gum cultivation is a very old culture in the region, the climate and soil structure are very suitable for gum production, and gum tree requires less water than other agricultural products are at the top of the list. When the recommendations and expectations of all farmers who produce and do not produce chewing gum are evaluated holistically, it is clarified that providing various supports, especially training and land support regarding chewing gum production, can be the main motivation factors.