Market study on consumption preferences of biofertilizers in Mexico

Abstract

The objective of this study was to understand the preferences of agricultural and fruit producers regarding the use of mineral fertilizers, organic fertilizers or biofertilizers. The theory of consumer behavior was used, complemented with the three-component attitudinal model: cognitive, affective and behavioral. Information was collected on the tastes, preferences and attitudes of producers regarding the use of different types of fertilizers. For this purpose, structured questionnaires, focus meetings and direct observation were used. These were applied to a total sample of 100 producers. The analysis showed negative signs in the coefficients of years_p (years as a farmer) and years_c (years with the same crop), which showed that the greater the number of years in both variables, the greater the probability that there is no preference for applying biofertilizer, but if the farmer is in the range > 0 to 20 years of experience as a farmer and sows some cereal, the probability of applying biofertilizers is greater. On the other hand, producers of perennial crops such as fruit trees expressed no preference for biofertilizers. External factors such as local availability of biofertilizers, institutional support or economic incentives, which could influence adoption decisions, especially among producers with more experience or dedicated to perennial crops, were not considered. An inverse relationship was observed between producer experience and the likelihood of biofertilizer use, suggesting that deeply rooted traditional practices represent a barrier to the adoption of sustainable technologies.