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Biofortification of tomatoes in Italy: Status and level of knowledge

Author

Listed:
  • Vera Teresa Foti
  • Alessandro Scuderi

    (Department of Agricultural Food and Environment (Di3A), University of Catania, Catania, Italy)

  • Claudio Bellia

    (Department of Agricultural Food and Environment (Di3A), University of Catania, Catania, Italy)

  • Giuseppe Timpanaro

    (Department of Agricultural Food and Environment (Di3A), University of Catania, Catania, Italy)

Abstract

Biofortification is a strategy to reduce micronutrient deficiency in humans by fortifying food through natural processes, agronomic practices and genetic modification. In this study, we seek to shed light on what consumers understand by the term 'biofortified products' and thus to understand their level of knowledge about these products, as well as the reasons that dictate their purchasing choices and the relationship between consumption choices and lifestyles. The analysis focuses on vegetables and, in particular, on tomatoes with a high lycopene content. Research shows that consumers of biofortified food products are generally confused and uninformed, even though they show a high willingness to pay. This confusion seems to result, moreover, from the lack of a clear definition of a biofortified product, as well as from the lack of clear information on the specifics of biofortified products and the benefits they can bring. The future of biofortified products can, therefore, be improved by the creation of clear standards and reference definitions and better information and transparency that would benefit the consumer.

Suggested Citation

  • Vera Teresa Foti & Alessandro Scuderi & Claudio Bellia & Giuseppe Timpanaro, 2021. "Biofortification of tomatoes in Italy: Status and level of knowledge," Agricultural Economics, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 67(6), pages 227-235.
    • Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlage:v:67:y:2021:i:6:id:334-2020-agricecon
    DOI: 10.17221/334/2020-AGRICECON
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rousu, Matthew C. & Monchuk, Daniel C. & Shogren, Jason F. & Kosa, Katherine M., 2005. "Consumer Willingness to Pay for "Second-Generation" Genetically Engineered Products and the Role of Marketing Information," Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Southern Agricultural Economics Association, vol. 37(3), pages 1-11, December.
    2. Giuseppe Timpanaro & Claudio Bellia & Vera Teresa Foti & Alessandro Scuderi, 2020. "Consumer Behaviour of Purchasing Biofortified Food Products," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(16), pages 1-14, August.
    3. Vera Teresa Foti & Alessandro Scuderi & Giuseppe Stella & Giuseppe Timpanaro, 2019. "Consumer purchasing behaviour for "biodiversity-friendly" vegetable products: increasing importance of informal relationships," Agricultural Economics, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 65(9), pages 404-414.
    4. Carolina González & Nancy Johnson & Matin Qaim, 2009. "Consumer Acceptance of Second‐Generation GM Foods: The Case of Biofortified Cassava in the North‐east of Brazil," Journal of Agricultural Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 60(3), pages 604-624, September.
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