Global Agriculture Productivity report 2018
Consumers have significant influence over the direction of the food and agriculture system. Through their purchases they express their preferences and values and help shape the decisions producers and retailers make...
Their influence is growing as they consider what they buy, why they buy it and how and where they purchase food and agriculture products.
These consumer trends are global, but the nature and extent of their influence is shaped by geography, cultural norms, government policy and socio-economic status. The following chapter provides an overview of these global drivers of change
Misinformation about food production methods has very real consequences for human health...
A study of low-income shoppers found they were wary of purchasing conventionally-produced fruits and vegetables for safety reasons. This inaccurate information about the levels and health impacts of pesticide residues on produce has been shared widely on social media. As a result, low-income consumers said they were less likely to buy conventional produce and would prefer to purchase smaller quantities of the more expensive organic varieties.
MSU’s Food Literacy and Engagement Poll captures some of this consumer uncertainty. A plurality of consumers (38 percent) say that have a higher than average understanding of the global food system, but a plurality also said that they aren’t sure how many times a week they consume foods containing genetically modified ingredients.
In the survey, 66 percent said that food labels are very influential in their food choices but given the uncertainty about what is in their food and how it was produced, the labeling systems are not providing the clarity they need. In lieu of trustworthy, accessible information, consumers fall back on the familiar: taste, price and brands they know and trust
Generational Shifts Drive Food System Change
By 2019, the Millennial Generation (aged 20-35) will surpass the Baby Boomers to become the largest generational group in the U.S. with 74 million people.
Their numbers and purchasing preferences are beginning to fundamentally alter the food production and retail system in the U.S. and beyond.
Millennials, together with members of Generation X (66 million people, aged 36-51), are in their peak food-consumption years. Most are working and raising families and/or caring for elderly relatives. As a result, their food purchases are the trends most closely watched by producers, retailers and restaurateurs.
Nutrition and saftey
Chinese consumers are also more focused on nutrition, with more than 82 percent of people willing to pay more for foods they know are higher quality, more nourishing and lacking undesirable ingredients.
This compares to the global average of 68 percent who are willing to pay for such foods.
Consumers are also concerned about the safety of the foods they eat, particularly domestic rice and other food crops that may have been grown in contaminated farm soil. They are willing to pay more for trusted international brands that they know are high-quality and safe.
FOOD SECURITY
The number of people actively involved in food production continues to decline, yet consumer interest in the content and origins of their food increasingly drives their purchases
The Sourced Club Mission
I advocate for knowledge and a food system of integrity. When people stand behind their
produce and actions, our community is more accountable.
Founder – Bridgette O’Connor
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