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Factors Limiting the Development of the Organic Food Sector—Perspective of Processors, Distributors, and Retailers

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  • Hanna Górska-Warsewicz

    (Department of Food Market and Consumer Research, Institute of Human Nutrition, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Sylwia Żakowska-Biemans

    (Department of Food Market and Consumer Research, Institute of Human Nutrition, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Dagmara Stangierska

    (Department of Pomology and Horticulture Economics, Institute of Horticultural Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Monika Świątkowska

    (Department of Food Market and Consumer Research, Institute of Human Nutrition, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Agnieszka Bobola

    (Department of Tourism, Social Communication and Counselling, Institute of Economics and Finance, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Julita Szlachciuk

    (Department of Food Market and Consumer Research, Institute of Human Nutrition, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Maksymilian Czeczotko

    (Department of Food Market and Consumer Research, Institute of Human Nutrition, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Karol Krajewski

    (Institute of Technical Science, State Higher School of Eastern Europe in Przemyśl, 37-700 Przemyśl, Poland)

  • Ewa Świstak

    (Department of Food Market and Consumer Research, Institute of Human Nutrition, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland)

Abstract

Our study aimed to explore the factors limiting the development of the organic food sector in Poland from the perspective of processing, distributing, and retailing companies. We used a qualitative approach with in-depth semi-structured interviews with the management board representatives of 17 large- and medium-sized enterprises and the owners of 10 small and medium companies. The potential limiting factors, including legal, economic, technological, and environmental factors, were identified by reviewing the corporate and market reports of processing and retailing companies operating in the Polish organic sector. We used a thematic analysis recommended in the literature to analyze qualitative data. The main factors indicated by the managers were the legal concerns, limitations resulting from a lack of constant supply of organic raw materials, and increased competition on domestic and international markets. In addition, business activities in the Polish organic sector were affected by the instability of the financial situation in terms of financial liquidity, adequate cost, capital structure, and credits. The results of the study may be of value for policymakers to ensure sustainable development of the organic food sector in Poland.

Suggested Citation

  • Hanna Górska-Warsewicz & Sylwia Żakowska-Biemans & Dagmara Stangierska & Monika Świątkowska & Agnieszka Bobola & Julita Szlachciuk & Maksymilian Czeczotko & Karol Krajewski & Ewa Świstak, 2021. "Factors Limiting the Development of the Organic Food Sector—Perspective of Processors, Distributors, and Retailers," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 11(9), pages 1-22, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:11:y:2021:i:9:p:882-:d:635805
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    References listed on IDEAS

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