Researching Producers' Preferences in Mastic Gum Tree Cultivation: Identifying Motivating Factors

The study is to identify the motivating factors for producers in the Çeşme/İzmir district to increase mastic gum tree production, which is a significant activity there. The primary data for the study was collected through questionnaires conducted via face-to-face interviews with producers. Producers involved in mastic gum tree cultivation and those with potential for such cultivation were selected using non-probability sampling methods. Of 105 producers surveyed, 18 were engaged in mastic gum tree cultivation, while 87 were not. The research revealed that support for land use, initial financing, advisory services, and input were the preferred support mechanisms for gum farming farms. Similar support preferences were observed for farms without mastic gum tree cultivation, with consultancy, land use, and initial financing support topping the list. The decision to start mastic gum tree cultivation was mainly attributed to factors such as the longstanding cultural tradition of mastic gum tree cultivation in the region, the region's favorable climate and soil for production, and the mastic gum tree's low water requirements compared to other crops. Analysis of the recommendations and expectations of all producers and non-producers suggested that providing various forms of support, particularly training and land support for mastic gum tree production, could be the main motivating factors.