Assessing demand for organic produce in the Monteverde area

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 \u3c 0.05) and with a ten percent increase on organic lettuce (Sign Test, n = 10, p \u3c 0.05). The difference was not significant for either organic and non-organic oranges (Sign Test, n=2, p\u3e0.05) or plantains (Sign Test, n = 2, p \u3e 0.05) either equal prices, or with a ten percent increase on the organic oranges (Sign Test, n = 2, p \u3e 0.05) and plantains (Sign Test, n = 2, p \u3e 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. 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.https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/tropical_ecology/1055/thumbnail.jp