Preliminary Results to Identifying the Opportunities of the Organic Sheep Dairy Sector in Romania

Authors

  • Elena Ilisiu Romanian Academy for Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Research and Development Institute for Sheep and Goat Palas- Constanta – Experimental Base Reghin, 545300 Reghin, Dedradului Street 11, Romania
  • Dinu Gavojdian Romanian Academy for Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Research and Development, Station for Sheep and Goats Caransebes, 325400 Caransebes, Resitei Street km 2, Romania
  • Calin V. Ilisiu Caprirom Nord Association, 545300 Reghin, Dedradului Street 11, Romania,
  • Diana P. Rau Romanian Academy for Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Research and Development Institute for Sheep and Goat Palas- Constanta – Experimental Base Reghin, 545300 Reghin, Dedradului Street 11, Romania
  • i Padeanu Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine ‘King Michael I of Romania’, Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnologies, 300645 Timisoara, Aradului Street 119, Romania

Keywords:

cheese, dairy production, milk, sheep

Abstract

The organic sheep number raised in Romania is currently relatively low, namely 0.85% of the total sheep number at national level. The development of sheep breeding sector in organic system is very heavily influenced by economical factors, but also consumers’ demand for organic products. The goal of the research was to analyze consumer behavior vis-à-vis of organic dairy products derived from sheep, in order to support the decisions that may be taken to develop the sector. Data were collected through telephone interviews using a questionnaire. Interviews were conducted between September-December 2016. 180 respondents were surveyed in total, who answered a questionnaire which included 23 questions. This study revealed that approximately one quarter of respondents have never consumed organic dairy products, while 60% of respondents say they did. Organic cheese is considered to be more expensive when compared to conventionally produced cheese, about 97% of the respondents, while 82% of respondents believe that higher prices are justified. Willingness to pay a higher price for organic products from sheep's milk is very different. Around 13% of respondents are not willing to pay an additional fee for cheese produced in organic system. However, about 2% were willing to pay an additional fee up to 60% more, comparing to conventional cheese products. 38% of respondents are willing to pay the additional price of up to 10%, and 23% of  interviewed people are ready to pay an additional charge of 20% of the dairy products obtained by conventional methods.

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Published

2023-09-12

Issue

Section

Technologies Applied in Animal Husbandry