Consumer demand for pesticide free food products in Canada: A probit analysis

Pesticide Free Production (TM) (PFP (TM)) is a new crop production strategy that has emerged in the Canadian prairies. Emphasis is placed on substituting human capital for chemical inputs in field crop production. Consumer response to the introduction of food products containing PFP (TM) inputs is unknown. A consumer survey was developed and implemented to assess what food products consumers would purchase if available in a PFP (TM) form and what factors affect demand for PFP (TM) food products. Results from a probit model suggest strong consumer interest in food products containing grains and oilseeds produced in a PFP (TM) cropping system. Respondents concerned with pesticides in the environment and/or food products, who would switch grocery stores to purchase a PFP (TM) food product, who were less than 36 years of age, had higher average household income and who would pay a premium for a PFP (TM) food product were more likely to choose food products with PFP (TM) ingredients.