Trust in Food-Safety Information Sources: Examining Differences in Respondents’ Opinions from a Three-State Survey

This paper analyzes data from a telephone survey of 1,000 home-meal preparers from Alabama, North Carolina, and Tennessee. We evaluate the level of trust assigned by survey respondents to twelve sources used in gathering food safety information and provide guidance on effective ways of communicating food-safety information. Data collected were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Health professionals, nutrition counselors, and food labels were highly trusted sources of food-safety information while the Internet, radio, and television were the least trusted.Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety,

Producer Biotech Food Knowledge Differences: Findings from a Three-State Survey

Over the years, public opinion in the United States on agricultural biotechnology has shifted from one of extreme consumer concern to one of indifference. This paper analyzes gender, ethnic, education, age, and household-income differences in producersÂ’' biotechnology knowledge. Mail questionnaires were used in collecting data. Responses to selected questions were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Chi-squares tests showed statistically significant differences in biotechnology knowledge among farmers who participated in the three-state survey.Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies,

FOOD POLICY, TRADE, MARKETS, AND GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE ON THE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, POLITICS, AND ECONOMICS OF LABELING

The issue of whether or not to label will be a crucial one for the U.S. agricultural sector in the coming years. This paper develops a discussion of biotechnology in agriculture in the U.S., reports on the results of a survey to examine consumer response to labeling genetically modified foods, and discusses policy implications for markets and trade in genetically modified foods. Two hundred and fifty responses to a 2003 mail questionnaire survey were analyzed for the paper. Chi-square test of independence was applied to data. Analyses showed that only 4.6% of consumers agreed that labeling should not be required for any biotech foods, while 94.4% agreed with the statement that labeling should be required for some or all biotech foods sold in the U.S. At p q 0.001, chi-square tests showed that preferences for the labeling scenarios posed were dependent on gender, number of people in household, race, religious preference, age, education, place of residence, and income. Results can be used in providing guidance for labeling policy

FOOD POLICY, TRADE, MARKETS, AND GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE ON THE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, POLITICS, AND ECONOMICS OF LABELING

The issue of whether or not to label will be a crucial one for the U.S. agricultural sector in the coming years. This paper develops a discussion of biotechnology in agriculture in the U.S., reports on the results of a survey to examine consumer response to labeling genetically modified foods, and discusses policy implications for markets and trade in genetically modified foods. Two hundred and fifty responses to a 2003 mail questionnaire survey were analyzed for the paper. Chi-square test of independence was applied to data. Analyses showed that only 4.6% of consumers agreed that labeling should not be required for any biotech foods, while 94.4% agreed with the statement that labeling should be required for some or all biotech foods sold in the U.S. At p ƒq 0.001, chi-square tests showed that preferences for the labeling scenarios posed were dependent on gender, number of people in household, race, religious preference, age, education, place of residence, and income. Results can be used in providing guidance for labeling policy.Agricultural and Food Policy,

Economic Contributions of the Local Food Systems in Tennessee

Local food systems (LFS) are often viewed as development pathways for local economies due to their ability to create a multiplier effect in an economy through a significant contribution to output and job creation. There is limited information on these impacts for Tennessee. Therefore, this study measures the gross economic contributions of Tennessee’s local food system using IMPLAN’s input-output model. Results show that LFS is a crucial component of Tennessee’s economy with an estimated total economic contribution of $37.5 billion. The region’s local food system directly employs more than 99,000 people and has an income multiplier of 2.56 and a value-added multiplier of 2.06

Differences in Willingness to Pay for Safer Meat and Vegetables

With numerous food recalls in the last few years, food safety has become an important concern for the food industry and consumers. Millions of people are sickened and thousands die each year from consuming contaminated and unsafe food in the U .S. This paper compiles information on the profile of respondents to a survey on willingness to pay for safer meats (beef and poultry) and fruits and vegetables, and examines factors that influencing consumers' willingness to pay. A telephone survey was used to collect data from 1,000 participants in Alabama, North Carolina, and Tennes­ see. Results indicate that 22.5 percent of respondents definitely would pay more for safer food, while 29.2 percent said they were more likely to do so. About nine percent of the respondents said they likely would not pay for safer food and 33.4 percent indicated that they were somewhat willing to pay more. Only 4.4 percent showed no interest in paying more for safer food. Chi-square methodology was used to examine factors explaining differences in willingness to pay for safer meats and fruits and vegetables. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used in analysis. Willingness to pay for safer food was significantly related to gender, education, ethnicity, and marital statu

Local Food Marketing As a Growth Opportunity for Small Producers in Tennessee

Various food programs present opportunities for marketing local food in Tennessee. Health-conscious consumers prefer the health benefits of local food over processed foods. To satisfy consumer demand, local restaurants are utilizing the services of local food vendors. Conventional grocery stores are broadening their food aisles to accommodate locally produced foods. Using data collected from an online survey of 250 producers, this research update reports on opportunities for marketing local foods in Tennessee

Economic Importance of Local Food Markets: Evidence from the Literature

In recent years, the demand for local food by consumers has grown significantly. The Direct-to-consumer marketing of local foods grossed $4.8 billion in 2008. Many studies have addressed purchases of local food directly from producers in the southeastern region of the United States. Many of these studies show that consumers of local foods are willing to pay premiums for local foods. Data from the 2012 US Census of Agriculture shows that, on average, direct-to-consumer food sales accounted for 5.5% of all farm sales. The goal of this paper is to enhance awareness of the growing demand for local foods. Specific objective is to discuss the contributions of local food markets to the economy. Secondary data from existing research and the Census of Agriculture were used in summarizing information presented in this paper. Evidence from literature reviewed shows that local markets have positive impacts on the local economy

Assessing Food Safety Training Needs: Findings from TN Focus Groups

Although food safety training is important for the food services industry, there is limited information on the needs for hard-to-reach food service workers. The objectives of this paper are to - (1) identify food safety training issues facing hard-to-reach food service workers, and (2) analyze the opinions collected of participants in food safety focus groups. Data reported in this paper were collected using focus group meetings from selected counties in TN. Qualitative methodology was applied to data collected. Findings showed that food safety training should be offered on a continuous basis using materials that are easy to read, understand and implement. An effective food safety training program is needed to monitor employees to ensure compliance with established guidelines and procedures

Prospects of Entry into the Energy Market by Small and Mid-Sized Farmers: Evidence from Tennessee

The goal of this study was to get feedback from farmers in selected Tennessee counties on their willingness to grow switchgrass as a dedicated bioenergy crop. Switchgrass can be grown on marginal land. It is environmentally friendly (useful for erosion control etc.) and can assist rural communities by developing rural infrastructure and job creation. There is call for shift from using food products such as corn to cellulosic source such as switch grass as feedstock for bioenergy. Recent increase in the price of corn is noted to have impact of increasing its price, demand for land and more application of fertilizer thereby having undesirable outcomes on economic and environmental aspects