Diagnosis of the consumption market of organic products in the municipality of Guaporé/RS

Abstract

The present study aimed to carry out a study of information on the supply of organic products in the municipality of Guaporé, describing the profile of consumers and the factors that affect consumption. Interviews were carried out with representatives of establishments that sold organic products and consumer surveys, through a questionnaire on Google Forms. In Guaporé there were no organic producer registered in the National Registry of Organic Producers, however, there were one vegetable producer in the process of organic certification. Organic products are sold by two supermarkets and a fruit market, mainly vegetables and fruits. The research participants were mostly female, married, aged between 21 and 50 years old and had high school or higher education. Most non-organic consumers are unaware of the existence of a seal. Of those who consume it, most are aware of its existence, but a low percentage consume products with an organic seal. The understanding of what organic food is very closely linked to the non-use of pesticides. The main reasons given for consumption are the health benefits, search for healthier foods, concern for the preservation of the environment, natural product and differentiated flavor. The difficulty in finding them and the higher price, when compared to conventional products, were the limiting factors for purchase indicated by non-consumers of organic products.