Consumer Responses to Pesticide Residues in Fruit and Vegetables

Abstract

This study examines the impact of the presence of pesticide residues in fruit and vegetables on consumers concerns. Concern regarding pesticide use is a major issue for consumers. The study also examines the relationship between socioeconomic factors and consumer concerns about pesticide use. In this study, an ordered probit model is employed. Data collected from a consumer sample (n=430) in Tekirdag are analysed with the objective of gaining a better understanding of consumer responses to pesticide residues. The results of the ordered probit econometric model that analyses the influence of socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of respondents on pesticide residue concern ratings indicate that these concerns are influenced by the trustworthiness of the farmer, gender, education, and location of residence. The results indicate that female consumers are likely to be more concerned about pesticide residues than male consumers. In addition, marginal effects were calculated to assess the influence of various socioeconomic and attitudinal variables on the likelihood that a consumer would be concerned for pesticide residues.