Determination of consumer's attitudes towards organic vegetables and fruits in Istanbul

In this study, organic buyers were compared with non buyers, in order to identify main differences between them. Buying behaviour and associated attitudes were explored by analysing data from a group of 385 households in Istanbul. In this research consumer's attitude towards organic vegetables and fruits and purchase likelihood in Istanbul were indicated, information deficits about organic products were examined and consumer's concerns were analysed about health effects of pesticide residues and chemical fertilisers, consumption of organic vegetables and fruits. Our results indicated that the major barriers for organic vegetables and fruits were the high price (50.2%) and insufficient supply and distribution (35.7%). Research results suggested that generally the consumers are more motivated by food safety, but pesticide avoidance, better quality, genetically modification avoidance taste are also important factors.