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
Ontario farmers get boost for energy upgrades Friday, July 11, 2025 The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $3 million in the third round of the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative (ASI). This funding will help farmers improve the energy efficiency of their operations and support the long-term sustainability of the agriculture... Read this article online
Swede midge and cabbageworm found in Ontario canola Thursday, July 10, 2025 As reported on the OMAFA website fieldcropnews.com, Ontario canola crops are at various growth stages, ranging from seedling to full bloom depending on planting time and region. Winter canola is now fully podded, and harvest is expected to begin soon in Essex and other southern... Read this article online
Early Career Research Award supports two Guelph research initiatives Friday, July 4, 2025 The was presented to two University of Guelph researchers at the recently held Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) symposium. Dr. Kelsey Spence received $40,000 towards her work in on-farm biosecurity research, and Dr. Sam Workenhe was awarded $60,000 to further his... Read this article online
Grape Growers 40th Annual Celebrity Luncheon has Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser Friday, July 4, 2025 The Grape Growers of Ontario’s marks the opening of the by showcasing Canadian personalities and celebrating the annual grape harvest. This year, in partnership with Meridian Credit Union, Ontario’s largest credit union and the third largest in Canada, the Grape Growers of Ontario... Read this article online
Ontario crops respond to summer heat Wednesday, July 2, 2025 According to the OMAFA Field Crop News team, Ontario field crops are showing rapid development as summer-like temperatures have dominated late June early July. The warm spell has accelerated growth and helped reduce the heat unit deficit from a cool spring. Corn fields have seen a burst... Read this article online