According to a new survey by Farm Credit Canada (FCC), since the pandemic, Canadians are more likely to look for Canadian food options. The survey was conducted in January, and the results showed evidence of an emerging shift in what Canadians are doing and thinking when it comes to buying their groceries.
The survey was conducted with 2000 Canadian residents, and the sample weighted according to census data to ensure accurate representation of Canada’s population. Out of the 2000 Canadians surveyed, 58 percent said they are more likely to buy Canadian made or grown since the beginning of the pandemic. Additionally, 56 percent said that they are more likely to look for Canadian made or grown food when they buy groceries and 50 percent stated they are more likely to think about how their food is grown.
“On February 23, we will be celebrating Canada’s Agriculture Day. Each year the national event celebrates the contributions of Canada’s agriculture and food sectors, sharing the importance of understanding where our food comes from with all Canadians,” Said Marty Seymour, FCC’s Director of Industry Relations. “This year’s fifth anniversary celebration is even more meaningful given the challenges producers and processors have faced in the past year,” he said. “We see these survey results as an endorsement by Canadians for the continued support and celebration of a strong agriculture and food industry.”
The survey also sought Canadians’ opinions on the agriculture industry. It revealed that 80 percent of Canadians believe Canada’s food system and agriculture sector responded well to the pandemic, with 94 percent stating that they are strong supporters of Canada’s agriculture sector and 91 percent agreeing that Canadian farmers are underappreciated.
“The events of the past year have shown us that in times of crisis, the Canadian agriculture industry continues to provide safe and reliable food,” said Seymour. “Canadians have noticed and are responding with appreciation for the agriculture and food industry’s ability to adapt, even under difficult circumstances… The vast majority of Canadians agree that it’s important we have a strong agriculture and food sector to ensure we can continue to be a source of safe, reliable and affordable food.”