Booklets

The definition of food can be found in Regulation No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 January 2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety. In the food sector, the market for organic food is becoming increasingly important. It is produced on organic farms, i.e. produced without the use of artificial fertilisers or pesticides, among other things.

The market of organic products exhibits specific characteristics, determined by unique behaviours and environmental awareness of consumers, the degree of economic development and wealth, implemented agricultural policy, as well as natural conditions found in individual countries, both in Europe and worldwide.
Consumer habits have been changing dramatically in recent decades: at present consumers are less willing to make purchase decisions based on brand loyalty or price, instead choosing products, which are consistent with their system of values, manifesting preferences towards more environmentally, ethically and socially sustainable products. The growing prosperity of individual populations, enhanced consumer awareness concerning food quality and safety, as well as the effect of organic food on human health promote increased purchases of organic food. Demand for organic food is mainly driven by trends in consumer behaviours, resulting from increased consumer awareness and focus on quality. Quality of organic food is the primary element of its competitive advantage over conventional food.

The general idea of the book is to determine the condition of organic agriculture and the market for its products, as well as consumer behaviour in the organic food market in the Visegrad member countries. Based on the results, the authors presented the development of organic agriculture in the individual V4 countries. An in-depth analysis focused on consumer behaviour in the organic food market and, within the framework of the adopted objective, also covered the profile of the eco-consumer in the V4 countries. The authors also propose concrete solutions that can be implemented by organic farming support institutions and market participants to promote this method of agricultural production and strengthen the organic food market.

The book is addressed to a wide range of readers interested in the issues of the organic food market not only in the Visegrad Group countries.

This book may also be of interest to academics, students of economics and agriculture, as well as consumers and supporters of organic food, farmers, representatives of the trade sector and decision-makers in the field of agricultural policy.