Authors :
H.M.N.M Heenkenda
Volume/Issue :
Volume 8 - 2023, Issue 7 - July
Google Scholar :
https://bit.ly/3TmGbDi
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/44tr48vn
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8246254
Abstract :
Organic farming is rapidly gaining popularity
in Sri Lanka as consumers become increasingly
concerned about toxic chemical residues in their food.
This study conducted 100 interviews with consumers at
organic food sale centers in Colombo to assess consumer
perception and knowledge gaps regarding organic food
labels. The findings revealed that consumers were
primarily motivated to purchase organic products due to
anticipated positive health effects and the desire to avoid
toxic chemicals. However, consumers who did not buy
organic products cited difficulties in finding them, a lack
of understanding about organic labeling, and satisfaction
with other labeled safe products. The study identified a
general lack of knowledge among consumers regarding
organic farming, specific production methods, and the
distinction between "safe" and "organic" food.
Consumers struggled to identify organic products due to
limited knowledge of organic labels. Despite this, the
study found a significant level of awareness and
consumption of organic food among the sample
population, with consumers believing it was safer for
their health. However, availability was cited as a barrier
by eight percent of non-consumers. Based on the research
findings, recommendations include the development of
government policies for organic food production,
production of organic foods under responsible brand
names, establishment of organic production standards,
educational programs on organic farming, and increasing
the availability of organic foods. In conclusion, this study
highlights the need to improve consumer knowledge and
awareness of organic labels in Sri Lanka. The findings
emphasize the importance of increasing the availability of
organic products and implementing measures to educate
consumers about organic farming and its benefits.
Keywords :
Consumers, Organic Foods, Perception, Safe Foods.
Organic farming is rapidly gaining popularity
in Sri Lanka as consumers become increasingly
concerned about toxic chemical residues in their food.
This study conducted 100 interviews with consumers at
organic food sale centers in Colombo to assess consumer
perception and knowledge gaps regarding organic food
labels. The findings revealed that consumers were
primarily motivated to purchase organic products due to
anticipated positive health effects and the desire to avoid
toxic chemicals. However, consumers who did not buy
organic products cited difficulties in finding them, a lack
of understanding about organic labeling, and satisfaction
with other labeled safe products. The study identified a
general lack of knowledge among consumers regarding
organic farming, specific production methods, and the
distinction between "safe" and "organic" food.
Consumers struggled to identify organic products due to
limited knowledge of organic labels. Despite this, the
study found a significant level of awareness and
consumption of organic food among the sample
population, with consumers believing it was safer for
their health. However, availability was cited as a barrier
by eight percent of non-consumers. Based on the research
findings, recommendations include the development of
government policies for organic food production,
production of organic foods under responsible brand
names, establishment of organic production standards,
educational programs on organic farming, and increasing
the availability of organic foods. In conclusion, this study
highlights the need to improve consumer knowledge and
awareness of organic labels in Sri Lanka. The findings
emphasize the importance of increasing the availability of
organic products and implementing measures to educate
consumers about organic farming and its benefits.
Keywords :
Consumers, Organic Foods, Perception, Safe Foods.
