Survey Reveals Consumer Food Opinions
When it comes to food safety, 80% of Florida consumers believe that American-grown fresh fruits and vegetables are safer than foreign grown produce, according to a recent survey by the Agriculture Institute of Florida, Inc. (Gainesville). But when they sit down to dinner, it's likely they won't know where the fruits and vegetables on their table were grown.
"Those surveyed had no idea how much of their fresh fruit and vegetable supply comes from foreign countries," said Ray Gilmer, Ag Institute board member and director of communications and education for the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association. "But apparently, it's important to them that they know where their produce is grown."
Consumers Not Well Informed
Most of the 400 Florida residents who participated in the random telephone survey said they were not well informed about imported produce. Up to 66% admitted they know little or nothing about agricultural production standards, pesticide use, labor practices or the environmental impact of production in foreign countries.
Travelers surveyed were aware that imported food products could bring unwanted agricultural pests and plant diseases into Florida. Although more than two-thirds (67%) of the international travelers interviewed said they have been told that bringing fresh fruits, vegetables or meats into the state could harm Florida agriculture, only one-third (34%) of those who have traveled within the U.S. said they had been warned.
Government agencies (75%) and shippers and importers (75%) should be responsible for preventing the problems caused by restricted plants and meats being brought into Florida, according to respondents. Farmers and farm associations were indicated by 70% of those surveyed. Respondents listed government (79%), shippers and importers (72%) and farmers and farm associations (66%) as responsible for bearing the cost of correcting problems associated with pest infestations when they do occur.
Food Prices On High Side
Those surveyed were asked whether the price they pay for a selection of products in the supermarket is too expensive, too cheap or priced about right. Meat was judged very expensive or somewhat expensive by two-thirds (66%) of the respondents, and a little more than half (53%) judged fresh fruits, vegetables and milk and dairy products on the high end. On the survey scale, poultry, frozen and canned or packaged foods were all considered a good dollar value.
A more detailed summary of the results of the survey, which has a +/-5% rate of error, appears in the November issue of Citrus & Vegetable Magazine.
The complete survey can be accessed by writing to the Agriculture Institute of Florida, Inc., P.O. Box 140157, Gainesville, FL 32614-0157. It will soon be posted on the Internet at www.aiflorida.com .