University Student Attitudes Toward Organic Foods - Organic Food and Agriculture: New Trends and Developments in the Social Sciences - page 99

In the general total, third-grade students scored the lowest, and the difference of their score
with senior students' score is considerable (p<0.05). When all departments evaluated, the
attitude scales of the fourth-grade students are always higher. The scores attained from the
parts positive statements regarding organic foods (p<0.05), negative statements regarding
organic foods (p<0.05) and purchasing organic foods (p<0.01) show statistically considerable
difference by grades. In general this difference can be considered as resulting from the
scores attained by fourth-grade students .
4. Discussion
This study aims to determine future-consumer students' attitudes towards organic foods the
production and consumption of which increase day by day. After the evaluations it is
concluded that the students' attitudes are in general positive. In various studies, too, similar
results have been obtained (Chrysshoidis &Krystallis, 2005; Tarkiainen & Sundqvist, 2005;
Lawrence, 2007; Arvola et al., 2008; Urena et al., 2008).
Several factors affect the development of positive attitude towards any food. Various studies
have shown that concerns about health and environment also bring about positive attitudes
towards organic foods (Chrysshoidis & Krystallis, 2005; Radman, 2005; Saba & Messina,
2003; Magnusson et al., 2003; et al., 1994; Davies et al. 1995; Wandel & Bugge, 1997). Chen
(2007) states, in the study conducted in Taiwan, that the naturalness of the food, animal
rights and protection of the environment are also among the sources of positive attitudes
towards organic foods for the adults.
Regular consumers of organic products believe that organic food is healthier and has a
better quality than factory or traditionally processed food (Vindigni et al., 2002). Bissonnette
and Contento (2001) find out in their study that about three-quarters of the respondents
agreed that organic foods are better for the environment (73.7%) and better for their
personal health (74.8%). Radman (2005) deduces that Croatian consumers consider
organically grown products as very healthy and of good quality. Another study conducted
in Canada shows that the participants find organic foods healthier and more beneficial for
the environment (The Nielsen Company, 2007).
Lawrence (2007) finds out that college students at Oklahoma State University agrees with
many statements presenting organic foods as a healthy, non-risky, environmentally friendly
food option. These students perceive organic foods to be completely safe to eat and are
willing to serve organic foods to their friends.
The attitudes and thoughts of people towards organic foods have effects on buying
decisions. According to a survey, 52.8% of Americans buy organic foods because they
believe organic foods are better for their health and 52.4% buy them because they believe
these foods are better for the environment (Whole Foods Market, 2005). Hughner et al.
(2007) shows that consumers' main reason for purchasing organic food is health concerns. In
a study conducted in Northern Ireland, it is found that the three main reasons for
purchasing organic foods are health, environment and taste respectively (Davies et al.,
1995).
Consumers believe that organic products have better quality; therefore, these products also
will taste better (Roddy et al., 1996). Taste is a factor affecting customers' choice in
purchasing organic products, but studies have shown that they detect no difference in taste
when comparing organic meats to non-organic meats (McEachern & Willock, 2004). But
Radman (2005) finds out that Croatian consumers consider organically grown products very