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Consumer Preferences in the Purchase of Agri-Food Products: Implications for the Development of Family Farms

Author

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  • Eduard Alexandru Dumitru

    (Research Institute for Agriculture Economy and Rural Development, 010961 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Cristina Maria Sterie

    (Research Institute for Agriculture Economy and Rural Development, 010961 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Steliana Rodino

    (Research Institute for Agriculture Economy and Rural Development, 010961 Bucharest, Romania
    Biotechnology Department, National Institute of Research and Development for Biological Sciences, 060031 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Marian Butu

    (Research Institute for Agriculture Economy and Rural Development, 010961 Bucharest, Romania
    Biotechnology Department, National Institute of Research and Development for Biological Sciences, 060031 Bucharest, Romania)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the preferences of Romanian consumers when purchasing agri-food products, with a focus on products from family farms, and to identify pathways for promoting family farms’ outputs for enhancing the development of rural areas and the local economy. For this, a survey was carried out using a questionnaire as the main tool. Firstly, the data collected were analysed from a descriptive point of view. Then, multiple linear regression and the chi-square test were used to determine the relationships between variables, and ANOVA was used to identify significant differences between groups. The results revealed that consumers with a higher level of education are more confident in certified products and are better informed, with a greater ability to distinguish certified from non-certified products through logos. Finally, the results indicate an opportunity for family farms to sell their products for a higher price within a secure market, mainly in urban areas. However, for this to happen, it is necessary to implement a quality scheme, highlighting the origin and originality of the product (product obtained from a family farm, including logo) coupled with awareness campaigns on the advantages that this product has, both for the consumer and the farmer or the region it comes from. These aspects could improve the development of rural areas from all points of view.

Suggested Citation

  • Eduard Alexandru Dumitru & Cristina Maria Sterie & Steliana Rodino & Marian Butu, 2023. "Consumer Preferences in the Purchase of Agri-Food Products: Implications for the Development of Family Farms," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-22, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:13:y:2023:i:8:p:1478-:d:1202872
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    Cited by:

    1. Gabriela-Dalila Stoica & Maria Cristina Sterie, 2024. "Trends and Analyzes regarding Vulnerabilities in the Agricultural Sector. A Bibliometric Study," Romanian Economic Journal, Department of International Business and Economics from the Academy of Economic Studies Bucharest, vol. 27(87), pages 33-45, March.
    2. Sterie Cristina Maria & Petre Laurențiu Ionuț & Stoica Gabriela-Dalila & Dumitru Eduard Alexandru, 2024. "Assessing the Impact of Digitisation on Progress in Agriculture: A Bibliometric Analysis," Proceedings of the International Conference on Business Excellence, Sciendo, vol. 18(1), pages 1724-1733.

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