A research on the properties affecting the consumption of organic food products in İstanbul

In this study, primarily the history of organic agriculture, its development, emphasis on importance, principles, aims and rules are mentioned. The development of the organic farming system in the world has been examined and international organizations related to organic farming have been mentioned. Development and institutional structure of the organic agriculture in Turkey disclosed, organic agricultural production in our country and the functioning of the organic farming systems were examined. The aim of this research is to determine the preference of consumers in Istanbul for organic products. Various districts in Istanbul were included in the research. 613 consumers were asked to fill in questionnaires by face-to-face method and the original data were obtained. Chi-square analysis and dependency coefficient tests were applied to the data obtained in the study. According to the results of the research, it is revealed that individuals are consuming and not consuming organic products. In the survey, 38,2% of the consumers' ages were concentrated in young and middle age; 18-29 years, 36.9%; 30-39 age range; 23,8% were high school students, 63,7% were university graduates. Based on these results, we argue that the level of education plays a role for organic food consumption. Looking at the age situation, the young generation plays an active role in the consumption of organic food. This shows that young people have knowledge in organic food consumption. In terms of consumption of organic foods, 34.1% of consumers consume organic foods 4-6 times a week and 49.6% of them consume organic foods once a week. Consumers indicated that they will not pay more to consume organic products in the majority of 57.6%, while 26.8% stated that some consumers could pay more for organic feding. This situation is also related to the income status of consumers. Consumers do not consume organic food consistently because they find their prices expensive. As a result, the number of producers producing and selling organic products should be increased. Organic product vendors should be offered marketing opportunities for these products and support should be made to increase their sales. Organic product prices should be more reasonable. In order to ensure that the sales prices of organic products are reasonable, state contribution should be provided to organic product producers.