136657 - Australian consumerr perceptions of regionally grown fruits and vegetables.pdf (1.88 MB)
Australian consumer perceptions of regionally grown fruits and vegetables: importance, enablers, and barriers
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-20, 09:30 authored by Godrich, S, Katherine Kent, Sandra MurraySandra Murray, Stuart AucklandStuart Auckland, Lo, J, Blekkenhorst, L, Beth PenroseBeth Penrose, Devine, AFresh 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.
History
Publication title
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public HealthVolume
17Article number
63Number
63Pagination
1-16ISSN
1660-4601Department/School
School of Health SciencesPublisher
MDPIAGPlace of publication
SwitzerlandRights statement
Copyright 2019 The Authors. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Repository Status
- Open