Consumers want local foods but are reluctant to pay more: survey Tuesday, July 12, 2011 by SUSAN MANNThere’s a disconnection between consumers’ stated preference for local foods and their willingness to pay more for them, according to a recent Farm Credit Canada-sponsored survey.Ontario Federation of Agriculture president Bette Jean Crews says those results aren’t surprising. Released today, the survey found that despite 95 per cent of respondents agreeing that buying locally–grown food is a priority or a preference only 43 per cent are willing to pay more for local products.But having a personal connection with a farmer or someone in the agricultural industry seems to make a difference. Survey respondents knowing someone who owns or works on a farm or agribusiness or who have visited a farm were more likely to consider buying locally-grown or Canadian products a priority and they are also willing to pay more for them.Crews says that’s very believable because that’s human nature. “We’re trying to address that through the National Food Strategy, with part of that being an education component to government and the consumer as to what it means to buy local and how to identify it.”The Farm Credit survey also found that Ontario consumers were more likely to state that buying locally grown and Canadian products is a priority and are willing to pay more for them compared to consumers in other provinces.In a press release, Farm Credit Canada president and CEO Greg Stewart says “it would benefit the industry and our customers if the public knew more about the business of agriculture and recognize that agriculture is big, dynamic and complex.”The online survey was done March 8-10 from a sample of 2,015 Canadians who are Angus Reid Forum panel members, it says in Farm Credit’s press release. BF Ontario's wheat harvest off to a slow start Manitoulin abattoir reduces slaughter expense
New CEO for Livestock Research Innovation Corporation Friday, September 13, 2024 Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) is promoting from within with the appointment of the organization’s newest Chief Executive Officer. Industry Services Manager Kelly Somerville has been tapped to assume the role as of September 3, replacing retiring CEO Mike McMorris.... Read this article online
Milwaukee Extended Anvil High Torque Impact Wrench Thursday, September 12, 2024 Measuring torque is a common on-farm task it can sometimes be a challenge to accomplish this for multiple and varied pieces of equipment, that where Milwaukee’s M18 FUEL™ 1" D-Handle Ext. Anvil High Torque Impact Wrench w/ ONE-KEY™ can provide value. Cordless tools create convenience,... Read this article online
Ontario and Feds look to strengthen the provincial agri-food sector Monday, September 9, 2024 The governments of Canada and Ontario have announced they will be investing an additional $3.5 million in the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative (OAFRI) to support the development and adoption of new technologies for farmers, food processors, and agribusinesses that will enhance... Read this article online
The Great Ontario Yield Tour predicts a record-breaking soybean crop Friday, September 6, 2024 The Great Ontario Yield Tour is predicting the 2024 Ontario soybean yield will be 54.12 bu/ac—a NEW RECORD high surpassing the previous record of 53 bu/ac set last year. If the prediction is correct, it will be the best soybean crop ever produced in Ontario!... Read this article online
IPM needs volunteers Thursday, September 5, 2024 The International Plowing Match & Rural Expo 2024 (IPM) could use a helping hand for volunteers. The IPM is being held this year in Lindsay, Kawartha Lakes, Ontario, between October 1 and 5, 2024. While we are aware that the majority of the popular event is being held during... Read this article online