2013 North Georgia Community Food Survey

Transcription

1 2013 North Georgia Community Food Survey This report summarizes the results of the 2013 North Georgia Community Food Survey. The purpose of the survey was to gather community input on North Georgia agriculture and the local food system. Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP) conducted and analyzed the survey. The survey is intended to help the Appalachian Regional Commissions of North Georgia plan and invest wisely to build stronger community-based food systems. The survey was not based on a probability sample; therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. Survey Methods The survey instrument was developed by ASAP and the Appalachian Regional Commissions of North Georgia. Focus areas in the survey include community members perceptions of local, views and values related to local agriculture, and local food purchasing habits. Participant Recruitment & Survey Administration: The Appalachian Regional Commissions of North Georgia administered the survey through their list of contacts, social media avenues, a press release, and through targeted outreach. The survey was made available online through the SurveyMonkey online survey tool. The survey opened March 7, 2013 and closed on May 1, Survey Response Rate: A total of 741 individuals participated in the survey. A total of 651 participants completed the entire survey.

2 Survey Highlights Definitions of local agriculture Definitions of local varied but the majority of participants defined it as an area within a 100 miles or less: The county I live in (21%); 25 mile radius (23%); 50 mile radius (22%); North Georgia (17%); 100 mile radius (9%). When asked what the largest geographical area they would still consider to be local, participants tended to shift their definition to a wider area: 25 mile radius (16%); 50 mile radius (19%); North Georgia (22%); 100 mile radius (13%); The state I live in (13%). Values around local agriculture Survey participants value local agriculture because it produces locally grown food, provides jobs for farmers and other agricultural workers, and provides scenic beauty and open spaces. Participants also noted the environmental, social, economic, and health benefits of local agriculture. However, participants did note that agriculture (depending on the type ) can cause local environmental damage. Survey participants would be much more likely to buy a local product because it helps support our local farms (88%) and because it greatly contributes to the local economy (82%). Top reasons that survey participants might not buy locally produced foods include prices are too high (38%), I don t want to make special trips to buy it (26%), and lack of variety (24%). However, 46 percent of survey participants say there is no reason why they would not purchase locally grown food. Local food purchasing Survey participants who purchase locally grown food purchase it at farmers markets (69%), roadside stands (53%), and grocery stores (43%). A few participants said they were unaware of any co-ops or CSAs in their area. Survey participants said it was somewhat or very important for local food to be available at the grocery store (98%), restaurants (96%), and public schools (92%). Survey participants said they would be interested in having more access to locally produced eggs (74%), cheese (45%), and meats (70%) including beef (88%), chicken (83%), and pork (60%).

3 Demographic information The largest number of survey responses came from Rabun County (20%). 25 percent say they work in local government. The average age is percent have a 2-year college degree or higher. 96 percent are Caucasian, which is higher than the North Georgia region average of 88 percent. Median household income is $60,000-$79,000. This is much higher than the 2011 Census Bureau reported per capita median household income for area residents of $22, percent are female; 37 percent are male. Lower income participants 1 The majority of low income participants (69%) define local as a radius of 50 miles or less, though 44 percent would accept North Georgia and The state I live in as local. Low income participants strongly agree or agree that scenic beauty and open space (100%) and locally grown food (97%) are benefits of agriculture. They agree that confined animal operations (30%) and smells, dust, and noise (24%) as negatives. Low income participants said they would be much more likely to buy a local product because it lets you know where your food comes from (91%); supports our local farms (87%); and greatly contributes to the local economy (80%). Top reasons that low income survey participants might not buy locally produced foods are that prices are too high (37%) and there is a lack of variety (34%). However, 49 percent of low income participants said there are no reasons why they would not buy local. Low income participants that purchase locally grown foods always or often purchase from farmers markets (70%) and grocery stores (55%). Low income participants said that it was very important that locally grown food be available at grocery stores (83%), public schools (77%), and food assistance networks (77%). 17 percent of low income participants chose farming as their occupation; 17 percent chose small business owner. The majority of low income participants had a 2-year college degree or higher (57%). 1 Low income participants are defined as those who chose Less than $20,000 for the demographic question Which choice best describes your total household income for the past year? A total of 32 participants can be categorized as low income using this definition.

4 Contents Survey Results Please choose the county of your primary residence When considering locally grown food, how would you define local? What is the LARGEST geographical area you would still consider to be local? What BENEFITS do you believe agriculture brings to our region? What NEGATIVES do you believe agriculture brings to our region? Please select UP TO 3 reasons that you would choose to NOT buy locally grown food When you purchase locally grown food, where do you purchase it? How important would it be to you to have locally grown food available at the following places? In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, what types of locally grown food are you MOST interested in purchasing? What types of locally raised meats would you MOST LIKELY purchase? Are you the primary food shopper in your household? What year were you born? What is the highest level of education you have completed? Please enter your 5 digit zip code Please select the categories that best describe your ethnicity Which choice best describes your total household income for the past year? What is your gender?... 17

5 Survey Results 1. Please choose the county of your primary residence. (737 responses) County Percentage region Percentage of survey Count of responses population participants Banks 1.0% 1.9% 14 Barrow 3.9% 1.1% 8 Bartow 5.6% 5% 37 Carroll 6.2% 1.9% 14 Catoosa 3.6% 1.5% 11 Chattooga 1.4% 7.3% 54 Dade 0.9% 1.2% 9 Dawson 1.2% 1.2% 9 Elbert 1.1% 0.8% 6 Fannin 1.3% 1.6% 12 Floyd 5.3% 5.6% 41 Forsyth 10.4% 2.6% 19 Franklin 1.2% 0.5% 4 Gilmer 1.6% 1.8% 13 Gordon 3.1% 1.6% 12 Habersham 2.4% 3% 22 Hall 10.3% 6.4% 47 Haralson 1.6% 1.5% 11 Hart 1.4% 1.8% 13 Heard 0.6% 1.2% 9 Jackson 3.4% 2.3% 17 Lumpkin 1.7% 3.9% 29 Madison 1.5% 0.8% 6 Murray 2.2% 0.8% 6 Paulding 8.0% 1.6% 12 Pickens 1.6% 0.4% 3 Polk 2.3% 1.9% 14 Rabun 0.9% 19.8% 146 Stephens 1.4% 3.3% 24 Towns 0.6% 1.4% 10 Union 1.2% 3.9% 29 Walker 3.8% 2.2% 16 White 1.5% 3.7% 27 Whitfield 5.7% 1.9% 14 Other N/A 2.6% 19 1

6 Response count 2. When considering locally grown food, how would you define local? (705 responses) and 3. What is the LARGEST geographical area you would still consider to be local? (704 responses) Where is local? The county I live in 25 mile radius 50 mile radius 100 mile radius North Georgia The state I live in Southern The South Appalachia Other How do you define local? What is the largest area you still consider local? All other responses to: How do you define local? Counties contiguous to Union County 15 mile radius Field to market within 24 hours I prefer immediate region but also see it as southeast Adjacent counties Rabun and surrounding counties All other responses to: What is the largest area you still consider to be local? States that border Georgia White, Rabun, Habersham counties, as in "just up the road" Contiguous counties 500 Miles Field to market within 24 hours Probably 100 miles for locally growable foods, However, things that cannot be grown locally must be more widely considered and even consider foreign countries for example bananas. 2

7 4. What BENEFITS do you believe agriculture brings to our region? For each statement below, please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree that it is a BENEFIT of agriculture in our region. (684 responses) Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree N/A Locally grown food 82.1% 16.7% 0.7% 0.1% 0.3% Scenic beauty and open space 65.4% 32.5% 0.9% 0.3% 0.9% Jobs for farmers and other agricultural 71.1% 26.2% 1.6% 0.4% 0.6% workers Draw for tourists 43% 43.4% 9.5% 1.8% 2.4% Local economic contributions 64.5% 32.6% 2.1% 0.4% 0.4% Environmental quality 60.2% 34.5% 2.8% 0.9% 1.6% What benefits do you believe agriculture brings to the region? *Average rating is on a scale of 1 to 4 with 4 being the greatest benefit Locally grown food Jobs for farmers and other agricultural workers Scenic beauty and open space Local economic contributions Environmental quality Draw for tourists Average rating Environmental Social & Political Sample other responses Appropriate use of the land Foods that do not have to be transported for hundreds of miles is a greener way of life. Environmental quality depends upon the food being organic Invites insects for pollination, which helps with other vegetation, flowers, gardens at home, etc. Organic Foods Providing visual, environmental and bio-diversity Land/cultural preservation, education/training ops, health Preserves Appalachian cultural heritage Better connection to where our food comes from, education for kids Personal enjoyment from historic value of local food growth Research opportunities for Ag scientists, food safety researchers Values associated with self-sufficiency, strong work ethic, productivity. 3

8 Economic Health Transparency Other Sample other responses Close to marketplaces Sustainable economy Invites tourism, especially visiting produce centers Keeps the money local More choices for the buyer. More jobs. Better for FFA and 4H in high schools Better food for my child Better nutrition for residents Better quality - more healthy - usually less expensive Food quality and nutrition Freshness (4 responses) Healthier (14 responses) Knowing the quality of the food because one can see the farm. Non genetic enhanced food People need to see where their food comes from. Overall self-sufficiency/sustainability of the region - culture, environment, economy Safe I do not believe traditional production agriculture brings the same benefits as a thriving community of small and backyard farmers. Traditional agriculture brings cheap food, yes, but not environmental friendly. 4

9 5. What NEGATIVES do you believe agriculture brings to our region? For each statement below, please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree that it is a NEGATIVE of agriculture in our region (683 responses) Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly N/A Agree Disagree Environmental damage 3.1% 12.1% 44.4% 37% 3.4% Smells, dust, noise, etc. 3.3% 16.2% 49.4% 29.2% 1.9% Traffic congestion caused by slow moving 1% 9.5% 51.4% 36.7% 1.3% farm vehicles Prevents new residential development 1.6% 4.2% 49.9% 42.6% 1.6% Prevents new commercial/industrial 1.8% 4.6% 50.6% 40.9% 2.1% development Confined animal operations 6% 19.4% 43.7% 25.7% 5.2% What negatives do you believe agriculture brings to the region? *Average rating is on a scale of 1 to 4 with 4 being the greatest detriment Confined animal operations Smells, dust, noise, etc. Environmental damage Traffic congestion caused by slow moving Prevents new commercial/industrial Prevents new residential development Average rating Specific environmental damages Production practices Development Sample other responses Disruption/destruction of natural habitats; water quality degradation; Pollution if not using good farming methods Run off to streams/contaminating pollens from agricultural wastes/modifications...potential for damaging ecosystems if not done in an environmentally conscious and informed way. Pesticides Cross pollination with GM crops Horrible stench from chickens rendering plants I do not support any "confined" animal operations...only support "free range." Safety issues related to inspection, grading, disease tracking Visual of all the dead chickens on the road Needs to be diverse not mono culture I think stopping development is great. 5

10 It depends Other Sample other responses In vendor sites we need to watch traffic flow and turn lanes. Rabun County does not currently have housing/business development Your survey is biased preventing commercial development is a POSITIVE Depends on the type of farming I am basing these responses upon sustainable agriculture in our region I think small farms add to a community, huge mega farms or feed lots are a negative. Small, independent and/or sustainable or organic farming is crucial to achieving benefits of previous question and minimizing negatives of this question The above-named are only disadvantages of factory-farming methods, not sustainable farming methods Unless sustainable, green methods are used, it can impact health and environmental integrity I don't see agriculture as a negative in any way Migrant worker impact might be considered 6

11 6. Imagine you are food shopping, and an item you want is available from a LOCAL farm. Please read the messages below and indicate whether each statement would make you much more likely to buy the LOCAL product over a non-local alternative, somewhat more likely, or have no effect. Assume the prices are comparable. (672 responses) Much more likely to buy Somewhat more likely to buy No Effect Don t know Buying locally grown foods greatly contributes to the 82% 15.9% 2.1% 0% local economy Locally grown foods are safer 61.3% 25.5% 8.4% 4.8% When you buy locally grown food you are helping to 71% 21.6% 6.4% 1% preserve the rural character of the region Locally grown food tastes better 73.9% 18.6% 5.5% 1.9% Buying locally grown food is more environmentally 63.4% 26.2% 7.5% 2.9% responsible Shopping for locally grown food is fun because you can meet farmers and other shoppers with similar interest 55.2% 29.4% 14.3% 1% Buying locally grown food helps maintain a scenic landscape Buying locally grown food lets you know where your food comes from Buying locally grown food helps support our local farms Buying locally grown food is important for the health of your family 44.6% 39% 14.3% 2.1% 80.3% 17.9% 1.8% 0% 87.6% 11.6% 0.7% 0% 63% 27.5% 7% 2.4% Which message would motivate you to puchase local? "Buying locally grown food..." *Rating average is on a scale of 1 to 4 with 4 being the most motivating Helps support our local farms Greatly contributes to the local economy Lets you know where your food comes from Locally grown food tastes better Helps to preserve the rural character of the region Is important for the health of your family Is more environmentally responsible Locally grown foods are safer Is fun because you can meet farmers and other Helps maintain a scenic landscape Average rating 7

12 Importance of organic Qualities of local foods Other comments Sample other responses Again, if it's not grown organically, buying locally grown food is NOT more environmentally responsible. It s a 'wash'... Again, sustainable and organic methods are key for achieving the full potential of locally grown I will buy locally grown ORGANIC before locally grown conventional (pesticides, poor soil management, etc.) Locally grown foods need to be organic Buying locally grown food cuts down on pollution and gas usage from trucking in produce from far away Buying locally grown food is a way of sustaining the Appalachian culture that is dying out due to big businesses. Buying locally is thousands of miles fresher Local produce is less likely to be treated with unwholesome chemicals. Locally grown means fresher! Ties our community together Usually get more for your money Depends on whether pesticides and fertilizers are used. Depends on ethics of farmer. It must be convenient to buy locally above all things. You never really know safety issues unless you visit the local producer in person Let's stimulate the development of a few first-class farmers markets that are easily accessible, competitively priced, and offer products not easily available in supermarkets. Non GMO, too! Some local foods are not available from non-local/grocery stores, can try new things 8

13 Response count 7. Please select UP TO 3 reasons that you would choose to NOT buy locally grown food. (663 responses) 3 Reasons not to buy local No reasons why I wouldn't Prices are too high Don't want to make special trips Lack of variety Don't know where to find it Grow my own Concerns Concerns Inconvenient about safety about quality to prepare Production practices Availability Other Sample other responses Because of multiple chemical sensitivities, I can ONLY eat organically grown foods/meats/vegies. Anything sprayed, and that includes most, are verboten for me. I shop ORGANIC... Locally poisoned food is no better than non-local Still can't tell if pesticides/herbicides were used, washed off, etc. Use of pesticides, unsustainable growing methods, et. Essential to know how food is grown/raised and that is done without GMO seeds, conventional pesticides/herbicides and added hormones/antibiotics and with humane treatment of livestock and fair wages for laborers If available only at a certain time each week There is not adequate farmers markets in Gainesville Only reason not to are price and location for me There is not a central location in our community (farmers market) to purchase locally grown food. Usually out of season (ex.) after July 4 the watermelon market crashes. Our watermelons are not available by July 4. Convenience is an issue for me in terms of having time to prepare...same with trips to buy...price is also a concern, especially if I do not have time to prepare and it goes to waste If it is damaged or doesn't look fresh We buy local whenever possible, love the farmer's market! As a rule, I will spend a bit more for local products. Occasionally, the price differential seems too high. We grow our vegetables in the summer 9

14 Response count 8. When you purchase locally grown food, where do you purchase it? (671 responses) Almost always Often Sometimes Seldom Never Farmers market 39.9% 28.6% 19.9% 7.5% 4.1% Grocery store 14% 29.2% 33.3% 15.6% 8.1% On farm 13.1% 18.4% 28.3% 23% 17.2% Roadside stand 24.2% 28.8% 31.7% 11.5% 3.8% CSA 5.8% 9.7% 16.6% 18% 49.9% Restaurant 3.6% 18.7% 29.5% 21.9% 26.4% Community Co-op 4% 8.8% 17.3% 21.1% 48.8% 700 Where do you purchase local food? Never Seldom Sometimes Often Almost always 0 Farmers market Roadside stand Grocery store On farm Restaurants Co-op CSA Friends, family, or self-grown Retail Internet Direct sales Other comments Sample other responses Friends and Family who are local growers We have a garden. Co-worker Mercers Holland's produce We always try and eat at locally owned restaurants - avoid chains in effort to eat locally grown and produced food products On line farmers market in Rabun and Habersham On line market Flea Market (2 responses) Trade Day (6 responses) You pick it farm or orchard Few restaurants tell us if they use local foods so don't know if they do Just a note: I have to leave the county to buy locally grown food. Never- because it's not offered here 10

15 9. How important would it be to you to have locally grown food available at the following places? (666 responses) Very Somewhat Not at all N/A important important important Restaurants 67.6% 28.3% 3.3% 0.8% Public schools 66.9% 24.9% 5.5% 2.6% Hospitals 53.7% 34.6% 8.4% 3.3% Colleges and Universities 52.6% 35.4% 8% 4.1% Grocery stores 80.9% 17.1% 1.7% 0.3% Workplaces 44.4% 34.9% 13.9% 6.8% Food assistance networks 58.8% 30.1% 8.1% 3.0% How important would it be to you to have local available at the following places? *Average rating is on a scale of 1 to 4 with 4 being the most important Grocery stores Restaurants Public schools Food assistance networks Colleges and Universities Hospitals Workplaces Rating average Farms, gardens, and markets Care facilities Other comments Sample other responses Community gardens (2 responses) Farmers markets (2 responses) Roadside stands and farms Daycares and home child cares Meals on Wheels, Senior Center, jail - if County sourced locally, it would help EVERYONE Nursing homes I would love to have locally grown food at all these places if it was feasible for the location and the grower Any place we have access to food purchases Chemical free not just local All of these are important to our economy and health 11

16 Response count 10. In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, what types of locally grown food are you MOST interested in purchasing? Select UP TO 3 choices. (664 responses) In addition to produce, what local foods are you most interested in? Eggs Meats Cheese Prepared foods Milk Grains Fish Products Other comments Sample other responses Herbs (2 responses) Honey (7 responses) Produce (5 responses) Wine (2 responses) Wine Peanuts Bread Fish Grass fed, pastured poultry, and butter Locally milled grains Whole milk- make it legal in GA Garden items Needs to be hormone free Only if it's organic. Conventionally grown is toxic wherever it comes from... Organic 12

17 Response count 11. What types of locally raised meats would you MOST LIKELY purchase? Select UP TO 3 of the following choices. (467 responses) What types of local meats are you most interested in? Beef Chicken Pork Fish Turkey Bison Lamb Rabbit Beefalo Goat None Quail Grass fed organic Venison (4 responses) Organic beef, organic chicken I would also purchase, lamb, turkey and fish when available Duck I would actually purchase all Sample other responses 13

18 12. We want to know how people working in specific industries answer the questions on this survey. Please tell us if you are in any of the following industries. (658 responses) Please tell us if you work in any of the following industries Local government 25% Other 26% Food industry 4% Health industry 6% Farming 8% Nonprofit 4% Homemaker 9% Small business 9% Teacher 9% 13. Are you the primary food shopper in your household? (663 responses) Are you the primary food shopper in your household? No 22% Yes 78% 14

19 Response count 14. What year were you born? (658 responses) Age of participants 60 to 69 27% % 50 to 59 27% 40 to 49 17% 30 to 39 10% 20 to 29 4% 15. What is the highest level of education you have completed? (659 responses) 250 Highest level of education completed Less than High School 51 High school/ged Some college 2-year degree 4-year degree Masters degree 14 Professional degree 21 Doctorate 15

20 16. Please enter your 5 digit zip code. (621 responses) 17. Please select the categories that best describe your ethnicity. (Select all that apply) (651 responses) Ethnicity Caucasian 94.7% Hispanic 0.6% Asian 0.3% American Indian 0.9% Middle Eastern 0.3% Other 1.5% African American 1.7% 16

21 Response count 18. Which choice best describes your total household income for the past year? (611 responses) Household income in the past year Less than $20K $20K - $39K $40K - $59K $60K - $79K $80K - $99K $100K - $149K 46 $150K - $199K 18 2 $200K + Student 19. What is your gender? (651 responses) Gender Female 63% Male 37% 17