The concept organic in foods: a case study in the Azapa Valley, Chile

Abstract

To identify the level of knowledge, understanding, and consumption of organic food products in the North of Chile, a case study was performed with a group of patients of the Rural Health Post located in San Miguel de Azapa, Arica & Parinacota, Chile. Opinions of the nutritionist employed at the health post and a local organic farmer are included in the analysis of this study. The patients' interpretation and understanding of the definition of an organic food product was explored in this descriptive, transversal and ethnographic study. The subjects were males and females ages 18 and older of different ethnicities and levels of education. The information gathered reveals that a distorted and poorly defined idea of organic food products exists in Azapa Valley, independent of age, ethnic and/or education level parameters. No individual correctly defined what signifies an organic food product, with the exception of the local organic farmer. It is necessary to establish a campaign to produce an understanding of the definition of an organic food product, as well as the advantages and benefits that the production and consumption of organic food products would have on the land and people of northern Chile.Key words: organic, nutrition, ethnicity, rural RESUMEN Para identificar el nivel de conocimiento, percepción y consumo de alimentos orgánicos en el extremo norte de Chile se hizo un estudio de caso basado en un grupo de personas usuarias de la Posta de Salud Rural San Miguel de

Cuidado de la salud como determinante del consumo de alimentos orgánicos en Chile

“…Lo anterior evidencia que informar sobre las ventajas y beneficios que tiene la producción y consumo de alimentos orgánicos es útil para desarrollar la demanda de estos productos, especialmente en la creación de estrategias de comunicación para su posicionamiento efectivo en mercados emergentes como el de Chile (Sweeney et al, 2015).…”