Consumer knowledge about food production systems and their purchasing behavior

Shahla Wunderlich (), Kelsey Gatto and Marielle Smoller
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Shahla Wunderlich: Montclair State University
Kelsey Gatto: Montclair State University
Marielle Smoller: Montclair State University

Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, 2018, vol. 20, issue 6, No 24, 2881 pages

Abstract: Abstract Food purchasing behaviors are influenced by a range of factors, including health and the environmental impact of unique food production systems. There is ambiguity about the exact long-term large-scale impact of systems utilizing organic methods, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and conventional farming methods. There is a great deal of variance in consumer knowledge because of this ambiguity. This study aimed to assess consumers’ familiarity with these food production systems, to understand the perceived environmental impact of each, and to assess how different perceptions impact food purchasing. A survey administered to 123 New Jersey residents revealed large levels of uncertainty about perceived environmental impact of conventional foods (26.0%) and GMOs (26.8%), with a smaller number of people expressing uncertainty about organic food impact (14.6%). Consumers who believed organic food was beneficial allowed these beliefs to impact purchasing more often than those who were unsure (H(3) = 21.417, p

Keywords: Genetically modified organisms (GMO); Environmental impact; Food production system; Consumer knowledge; Education; Purchasing decisions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
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DOI: 10.1007/s10668-017-0021-y

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