SOCIO-ECONOMIC DETERMINANTS AND BARRIERS TO ORGANIC PRODUCT CONSUMPTION IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Stoja  Jotanović; Đorđe Savić; Tamara Stojanović; Bernisa Klepo; Predrag Ilić

doi:10.59267/ekoPolj2603749J

Authors

Stoja Jotanović University in Banja Luka, Faculty of Agriculture, Bulevar vojvode Petra Bojovića 1A, Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3821-7259
Đorđe Savić University in Banja Luka, Faculty of Agriculture, Bulevar vojvode Petra Bojovića 1A, Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0590-4151
Tamara Stojanović University in Banja Luka, Faculty of Agriculture, Bulevar vojvode Petra Bojovića 1A, Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina https://orcid.org/0009-0001-1479-9496
Bernisa Klepo Organska kontrola “OK”, Kranjčevićeva 4, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina https://orcid.org/0009-0001-1439-0906
Predrag Ilić Association for Horse-assisted Therapy “Let’s Ride Together”, Ustanička 2 part 32B, Belgrade, Serbia https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8903-3811

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59267/ekoPolj2603749J

Keywords:

Organic food, consumer behavior, trust paradox, market barriers, information asymmetry

Abstract

The aim of the paper was to examine the impact of socioeconomic characteristics on organic product consumerbehavior in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The research wasconducted via a structured online survey on a sampleof 336 respondents. Results indicated a specific trustparadox, where high consumption was not accompaniedby knowledge of the certification system but relied on thesubjective perception of domestic origin. Women wereidentified as primary decision-makers, while income leveldirectly determined purchase frequency. Dominant marketbarriers were high price and unavailability, confirmingthe high price elasticity of demand. It is concluded thatthe observed market is in an early development stageand burdened by information asymmetry, where organicfood retains the character of a premium good. For furthersector development, strengthening the recognition of thenational organic label through consumer education anddeveloping short supply chains to reduce transaction costsis recommended.

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