|
Information stall at Stirling Farmers' Market in Port Street, Stirling on 30
June 2007
Stirling shoppers are 100 per cent behind the goods sold by local farmers and
producers, according to a new survey conducted by Forth
Valley Food Links.
The survey, originally devised for
The Farmers' Weekly Food
Miles Campaign, was conducted with visitors to the local food information
stall at the market.
The majority of people surveyed said they knew where their food originated. Most
people also agreed with the statements that locally produced food tasted better
than alternatives and was better for their health.
However, there was less agreement on the difference in prices between food
bought from the supermarket and local food. Approximately half thought that
local food was more expensive, and as many did not know whether local food was
more expensive, less expensive or the same price.
In comparison to the national survey run by the Farmers Weekly, 85% of people
knew what was meant by the term "in season" when used to describe fruit and
vegetables in the UK. The majority of people understood that seasonal food was,
when it is picked and harvested in the UK. The national survey figure found that
57% of people knew what the term meant.
Over 90% of people surveyed also thought it 'very important' to local
communities that
schools buy locally produced food.
FVFL Project Officer, Diane Alderdice said, "Although the survey had little
statistical significance due to such a small sample number, it was interesting
to hear people's thoughts and opinions about local food, and we were very
encouraged to learn that so many people were supportive of local farmers and
producers.
"We know from the survey that if it were available, people would prefer to buy
local food at farmers' markets, farm shops, small shops and via home deliveries,
so there is more work that can be done to help producers re-connect with the
consumers, for example through supporting local public sector food procurement
and linking community food work with producers. People know that there are great
benefits to be gained for local businesses, our local rural communities, the
environment, and our health by purchasing local food".
"We are keen to run a larger survey across the Stirling, Falkirk and
Clackmannanshire areas, so that we can gain a more accurate picture of people's
preferences for local food, and determine how we as an organisation can be more
effective in supporting the local food sector.
Diane added, "Forth Valley Food Links is firmly behind the
NFU Scotland's 'What's on Your Plate?'
campaign to support Scottish farming, and we would encourage more people to
buy the quality food and drink that Scottish and Forth Valley farmers and
producers are justifiably famous for".
For more information about local food in Forth Valley, contact Diane on 0870
4711 750 or
email diane@fvfl.org.uk or visit
the FVFL website at www.fvfl.org.uk.
Survey Results in Full
Total number of surveys = 25
|
Q1. |
In general, do you know where
your food comes from? |
| Yes |
22
|
88% |
| No |
3
|
12% |
| Don't Know
|
0
|
0% |
| Total answers
|
25 |
|
| |
|
Q2. |
I am going to read out 3
statements about locally produced food. For each one I would like you to
tell me whether you agree or disagree. It doesn't matter if you have
never bought or eaten locally produced food, it is your perception that I am
interested in. |
|
A) |
Locally produced food tastes
fresher than alternatives |
| Agree
|
22
|
88% |
| Disagree
|
1
|
4% |
| Don't Know
|
2 |
8% |
| Total answers
|
25 |
|
| |
|
B) |
Locally produced food is better for my health |
| Agree
|
16 |
66.7% |
| Disagree
|
3 |
12.5% |
| Don't Know
|
5 |
20.8% |
| Total answers
|
24 |
|
| |
|
C) |
Locally produced food helps support local producers / farmers
|
| Agree
|
24 |
100% |
| Disagree
|
0 |
0% |
| Don't Know
|
0 |
0% |
| Total answers |
24 |
|
| |
|
Q.3 |
When compared with food bought in the supermarket, do you think locally
produced food is typically… |
| More expensive
|
13 |
52% |
| Less expensive |
2 |
8% |
| The same price
|
7 |
28% |
| Don't Know
|
3 |
43% |
| Total answers
|
25 |
|
| |
|
Q.4 |
If
you wanted to buy locally produced food and it was available at each of the
following places, which one would best describe where you would prefer to
buy it? |
| Supermarket
|
2 |
6% |
| Small shop |
7 |
21% |
| Farmers' market
|
12 |
35% |
| Farm Shop
|
6 |
27% |
| Delivered to your
home |
1 |
33% |
| No preference |
6 |
18% |
| None of these
|
0 |
0% |
| Total answers
|
34 |
|
| |
|
Q.5 |
When you think about fruit and vegetables produced in the UK, what do you
understand by the term, "in season"? |
| When they are
planted in the UK? |
1 |
4% |
| When they are
picked and harvested in the UK |
22 |
85% |
| When you can buy
them in a UK shop |
3 |
12% |
| Don't Know |
0 |
0% |
| Total answers
|
26 |
|
| |
|
Q.6 |
How important do you think it is to local communities that schools buy
locally produced food? Do you think it is.. |
| Very Important |
23 |
92% |
| Fairly important |
2 |
8% |
| Not very
important |
0 |
0% |
| Not at all
important |
0 |
0% |
| Don't Know |
0 |
0% |
| Total answers |
25 |
|
Survey adapted from the Farmers
Weekly Local Food is Miles Better campaign and part-reproduced with their kind
permission.
| 