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Australian consumer perceptions of regionally grown fruits and vegetables: importance, enablers, and barriers
Citation
Godrich, S and Kent, K and Murray, SL and Auckland, S and Lo, J and Blekkenhorst, L and Penrose, B and Devine, A, Australian consumer perceptions of regionally grown fruits and vegetables: importance, enablers, and barriers, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17, (1) Article 63. ISSN 1660-4601 (2020) [Refereed Article]
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DOI: doi:10.3390/ijerph17010063
Abstract
Fresh fruits and vegetables are a cornerstone of a balanced diet; their consumption has health, environmental, ethical, and economic implications. This pilot study aimed to: (i) measure fruit and vegetable consumption; (ii) understand consumer perceptions of the perceived importance of regionally grown fresh fruit and vegetables (RGFFV); and (iii) identify the barriers and enablers of access and consumption of RGFFV. The study took place in Tasmania (TAS) and South Western Australia (SWA). A 54-item survey included questions relating to purchasing and consumption patterns; barriers and enablers related to access and consumption of RGFFV; and sociodemographic information. Survey data were analyzed using Chi-square test and binary logistic regression. A total of n = 120 TAS and n = 123 SWA adult respondents participated. SWA respondents had higher intakes of fruit (p < 0.001) and vegetables (p < 0.001). Almost all respondents (97%) rated purchasing of RGFFV as important. Top enablers included produce freshness (97%), and to financially support local farmers (94%) and the local community (91%). Barriers included limited seasonal availability of the produce (26%), the belief that RGFFV were expensive (12%) and food budgetary constraints (10%). Recommendations include broader marketing and labelling of seasonal RGFFV; increasing 'buy local' campaigns; consumer information about how RGFFV benefits producers and communities; and pricing produce according to quality.
Item Details
| Item Type: | Refereed Article |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | fruit, vegetable, regional, rural, provenance |
| Research Division: | Medical and Health Sciences |
| Research Group: | Nutrition and Dietetics |
| Research Field: | Public Nutrition Intervention |
| Objective Division: | Health |
| Objective Group: | Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) |
| Objective Field: | Nutrition |
| UTAS Author: | Kent, K (Dr Katherine Kent) |
| UTAS Author: | Murray, SL (Ms Sandra Murray) |
| UTAS Author: | Auckland, S (Mr Stuart Auckland) |
| UTAS Author: | Penrose, B (Dr Beth Penrose) |
| ID Code: | 136657 |
| Year Published: | 2020 |
| Deposited By: | Centre for Rural Health |
| Deposited On: | 2020-01-13 |
| Last Modified: | 2020-01-21 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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