Assessing demand for organic produce in the Monteverde area, December 2006

Alternative Title

La evaluación de la demanda de productos orgánicos en la zona de Monteverde

Creator

Jacki Walczak

Files

Publication Date

December 2006

Abstract

Small-scale, local and organic agriculture is beneficial to communities environmentally, socially, and economically. In this study, consumer preference for organic produce, in particular lettuce, oranges and plantains, was examined in the community of Monteverde and surrounding areas. Five local stores were surveyed, all of which were unique in their location, size, and clientele. There was a significant difference between the organic and non-organic lettuce that consumers purchased at equal prices (Sign Test, n = 9, p < 0.05) and with a ten percent increase on organic lettuce (Sign Test, n = 10, p < 0.05). The difference was not significant for either organic and non-organic oranges (Sign Test, n=2, p>0.05) or plantains (Sign Test, n = 2, p > 0.05) either equal prices, or with a ten percent increase on the organic oranges (Sign Test, n = 2, p > 0.05) and plantains (Sign Test, n = 2, p > 0.05). These data suggest that there is a demand in the area for organic vegetables that cannot easily be grown in local gardens. Oranges and plantains are organically grown by families, so there is no need to buy it from a store. Increased communication between the local farmers, vendors and consumers could help to establish a healthy local market for specific types of produce, creating a more self-sufficient and autonomous Monteverde. Organic production will improve soil integrity of the farmers’ land, as well as yield a supply of healthier produce choices for the entire community.

Resumen

En este estudio se examinó en la comunidad de Monteverde y sus alrededores la preferencia de los consumidores por los productos orgánicos, en particular, la lechuga, las naranjas y los plátanos.

Keywords

Consumer behavior, Organic farming, Consumption (economics), CIEE Fall 2006

Palabras claves

Comportamiento del consumidor, Agricultura orgánica, Consumo (Economía), CIEE Otoño 2006

Extent

13 pages

Geographic Location

Monteverde (Puntarenas, Costa Rica)

Holding Location

Monteverde Institute

Language

English; Spanish

Media Type

Articles

Format

Digital Only

Identifier

M39-00349

Type

Book

Recommended Citation

Walczak, Jacki, "Assessing demand for organic produce in the Monteverde area, December 2006" (2006). Monteverde Institute: Tropical Ecology and Conservation. 56.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/tropical_ecology/56