Townsville women vote for organic
JCU Marketing lecturer, Dr Breda McCarthy, has been conducting research into the motivations and characteristics of organic food buyers in Australia.
She said that the organic food market is one of the fastest growing food sectors in Australia. “In regional cities like Townsville, consumers are turning away from conventionally grown produce and seeking out organic and locally grown foods
“The three main driving factors are taste, product freshness and animal-welfare concerns.” Dr McCarthy said.
The study – “Who’s buying organic food and why? Political consumerism, demographic characteristics and motivations of consumers in North Queensland” - also shows that political consumerism is a driving force for organic food consumption.
“Consumers distrust corporations, lack faith in government and have wider concerns over patterns of agricultural land use within the context of sustainability,” she said.
“Consumers are willing to engage in boycotts and sign petitions to voice their concerns over food.”
See the full report
Issued: June 20, 2012