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Commercial aquaponics approaching the European market : to consumers' perceptions of aquaponics products in Europe
ID Miličić, Vesna (Author), ID Thorarinsdottir, Ragnheidur (Author), ID Dos Santos, Maria (Author), ID Turnšek, Maja (Author)

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Abstract
The first commercial aquaponics companies are starting up in Europe. The main focus has been on solving technology issues and optimizing production. However, increasing attention is now being paid to certification and regulations linked to aquaponics, as well as the marketing of products and services. The paper presents the results of a study whose main aim was to estimate consumers’ knowledge about aquaponics and their acceptance of aquaponics products in different European regions. An on-line questionnaire was administered to the general public through the aquaponics network of Food and Agriculture COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) Action FA1305 “The EU Aquaponics Hub—Realising Sustainable Integrated Fish and Vegetable Production for the EU” in 16 European countries. The methodology includes univariate and multivariate statistical techniques. The results show that, on average, attitudes towards aquaponics were positive, showing no significant differences between those who already knew about aquaponics and those who only heard about it through the survey. More than 50% of respondents had never heard of aquaponics, whilst more than 70% had already heard of hydroponics. No more than 17% of respondents were willing to pay more for aquaponically produced products and no more than 40% more when compared to the price of products from conventional farming. The results confirm three different clusters of potential consumers of aquaponics products. They also suggest an urgent need for implementing integrated and holistic approaches involving all stakeholders in aquaponics, in order to define a marketing plan and efficient communication strategies. This COST action, other projects and public decision makers must invest in educating consumers about aquaponics through the organization of guided tours, thematic workshops and tastings of aquaponics products in order to raise their awareness about this new technology. It is absolutely urgent that public decision makers, in cooperation with aquaponics stakeholders, address the main institutional constraints, namely the introduction of aquaponics as an economic activity and the organic certification of aquaponics products.

Language:English
Keywords:aquaponics, hydroponics, aquaponics products, consumers' acceptance, questionnaire, multivariate statistics, Europe, willingness-to-pay, consumers’ preferences, organic certification, on line survey, market analysis, education
Work type:Article
Typology:1.01 - Original Scientific Article
Organization:BF - Biotechnical Faculty
Publication status:Published
Publication version:Version of Record
Year:2017
Number of pages:22 str.
Numbering:Vol. 9, iss. 2, art. 80
PID:20.500.12556/RUL-131267 This link opens in a new window
UDC:631
ISSN on article:2073-4441
DOI:10.3390/w9020080 This link opens in a new window
COBISS.SI-ID:8623225 This link opens in a new window
Publication date in RUL:24.09.2021
Views:1049
Downloads:159
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Record is a part of a journal

Title:Water
Shortened title:Water
Publisher:Molecular Diversity Preservation International - MDPI
ISSN:2073-4441
COBISS.SI-ID:36731653 This link opens in a new window

Licences

License:CC BY 4.0, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
Link:http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Description:This is the standard Creative Commons license that gives others maximum freedom to do what they want with the work as long as they credit the author.
Licensing start date:01.02.2017

Secondary language

Language:Slovenian
Keywords:akvaponika, hidroponika, gojenje rib, potrošniki, tržna analiza, izobraževanje, mnenje potrošnikov, statistična analiza, stališče potrošnikov

Projects

Funder:Other - Other funder or multiple funders
Funding programme:COST
Project number:FA1305

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