University Students' Attitudes and Behavior Regarding Farmers' Markets

University Students' Attitudes and Behavior Regarding Farmers' Markets PDF Author: Joseph Robert Vaillancourt
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 96

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Book Description
Abstract: While the majority of Americans are three generations removed from agricultural production, there has been a renewed interest in local foods in the U.S. Farmers' markets, a commonplace where producers and growers gather on a recurring basis to sell fruits, vegetables, and other produce, have tripled domestically since the mid-1990s. Not only do farmers' markets provide fresh, locally grown produce, but they also provide a medium by which now-distant consumers can reconnect with the agricultural community. One population that has growing interest in these markets is college-aged individuals. This study is unique in that it explores the attitudes and behaviors regarding farmers' markets that one sector of the college-aged population has. The theory of planned behavior was used as framework for this study, which utilized a researcher-administered questionnaire to students at The Ohio State University's Columbus campus. Questions addressed university students' attitudes, behaviors, subjective norm behaviors, respondent background, and how respondents heard about markets. The survey, adopted from a 2004 Norwegian study, was administered to 174 students. Respondents reported positive attitudes toward farmers' markets. The majority of the respondents had been to a farmers' market at least once in their life, and the majority of respondents also plan to purchase from farmers' markets after college. Respondents from rural and non-rural areas reported similar attitudes and behaviors regarding markets; however, rural respondents were more likely to purchase foods straight from a farm or roadside stands. While friends' behaviors regarding farmers' markets and organic produce did not appear to have an impact on respondent behavior, respondents whose family purchased organic produce and attended farmers' markets were more likely to behave similarly. In accordance with several other studies, this population heard about farmers' markets primarily through word-of-mouth. Recommendations for further research include exploring attitudes and behaviors of students at other universities in other states, different populations such as families, and qualitative research performed right at farmers' markets. It was recommended that farmers' market managers and communications directors position themselves to communicate with university students through word-of-mouth and social media, as this population has shown positive attitudes and a high level of awareness of farmers' market.

University Students' Attitudes and Behavior Regarding Farmers' Markets

University Students' Attitudes and Behavior Regarding Farmers' Markets PDF Author: Joseph Robert Vaillancourt
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 96

Get Book Here

Book Description
Abstract: While the majority of Americans are three generations removed from agricultural production, there has been a renewed interest in local foods in the U.S. Farmers' markets, a commonplace where producers and growers gather on a recurring basis to sell fruits, vegetables, and other produce, have tripled domestically since the mid-1990s. Not only do farmers' markets provide fresh, locally grown produce, but they also provide a medium by which now-distant consumers can reconnect with the agricultural community. One population that has growing interest in these markets is college-aged individuals. This study is unique in that it explores the attitudes and behaviors regarding farmers' markets that one sector of the college-aged population has. The theory of planned behavior was used as framework for this study, which utilized a researcher-administered questionnaire to students at The Ohio State University's Columbus campus. Questions addressed university students' attitudes, behaviors, subjective norm behaviors, respondent background, and how respondents heard about markets. The survey, adopted from a 2004 Norwegian study, was administered to 174 students. Respondents reported positive attitudes toward farmers' markets. The majority of the respondents had been to a farmers' market at least once in their life, and the majority of respondents also plan to purchase from farmers' markets after college. Respondents from rural and non-rural areas reported similar attitudes and behaviors regarding markets; however, rural respondents were more likely to purchase foods straight from a farm or roadside stands. While friends' behaviors regarding farmers' markets and organic produce did not appear to have an impact on respondent behavior, respondents whose family purchased organic produce and attended farmers' markets were more likely to behave similarly. In accordance with several other studies, this population heard about farmers' markets primarily through word-of-mouth. Recommendations for further research include exploring attitudes and behaviors of students at other universities in other states, different populations such as families, and qualitative research performed right at farmers' markets. It was recommended that farmers' market managers and communications directors position themselves to communicate with university students through word-of-mouth and social media, as this population has shown positive attitudes and a high level of awareness of farmers' market.

A Pittsfield Study of Consumer Attitudes Toward Fresh Produce and Farmers' Markets

A Pittsfield Study of Consumer Attitudes Toward Fresh Produce and Farmers' Markets PDF Author: David Lee Holm
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Farmers' markets
Languages : en
Pages : 200

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Book Description


Consumer Attitudes Toward and Use of Farmers' Markets in the Piedmont Triad of North Carolina

Consumer Attitudes Toward and Use of Farmers' Markets in the Piedmont Triad of North Carolina PDF Author: David J. Pratto
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Consumer behavior
Languages : en
Pages : 112

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A Multivariate Analysis of Consumers' Beliefs, Attitudes, and Behaviors Associated with Locally Produced Food and Farmers' Market Patronage

A Multivariate Analysis of Consumers' Beliefs, Attitudes, and Behaviors Associated with Locally Produced Food and Farmers' Market Patronage PDF Author: Sara Williamson
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 73

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Book Description


Local Foods Purchasing in the Farmers' Market Channel

Local Foods Purchasing in the Farmers' Market Channel PDF Author: Christopher Thomas Sneed
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Consumer behavior
Languages : en
Pages : 202

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Book Description
From farmers’ market booths to kitchen tables, demand for locally-produced foods has increased significantly over the last decade. Yet, despite increasing popularity of local foods, theoretically-based research of this topic has just begun. This study fills this gap in literature and broadens the current research base by utilizing Value-Attitude-Behavior Theory to explore local foods purchasing in the farmers’ market channel. The impact of four values (food novelty, food safety, civic engagement, and environmental concern) on consumers’ attitudes regarding farmers’ market design perceptions, farmers’ market social perceptions, and local foods quality perceptions are examined. In turn, the impact of these attitudes on purchase intention and word-of-mouth communications is explored. A web-based, self-administered survey was used in collecting data from a consumer panel of 485 respondents. Through statistical testing using SPSS, a demographic overview of the sample is provided. Additionally, through the use of AMOS and structural equation modeling, research hypotheses are tested. Data analysis reveals all values significantly impact at least one attitudinal construct. The values of food novelty and food safety had the greatest influence positively impacting attitudes toward farmers’ market design perceptions and local foods quality perceptions. All three attitudinal constructs positively impacted consumers’ word-of-mouth communications regarding the farmers’ market. Additionally, attitudes toward farmers’ market social perceptions and local foods quality perceptions positively impacted consumers’ purchase intention. Consumers’ attitudes toward the quality of the local foods offered at the farmers’ market had the greatest influence on purchase intention and word-of-mouth communications. The study concludes with a discussion of limitations as well as the potential of the limitations to serve as springboards for future research. Implications for local foods producers, farmers’ market managers, and Extension educators working with local foods producers and consumers are presented.

Identification and Comparison of Differences in the Behaviors, Attitudes, Awareness and Motivating Factors that Influence People to Shop at Farmers' Markets and Purchase USDA Certified Organic Food in Two Geographic Regions

Identification and Comparison of Differences in the Behaviors, Attitudes, Awareness and Motivating Factors that Influence People to Shop at Farmers' Markets and Purchase USDA Certified Organic Food in Two Geographic Regions PDF Author: Stacey Leigh Faith
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Consumer behavior
Languages : en
Pages : 113

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Book Description


Together at the Table

Together at the Table PDF Author: Patricia Allen
Publisher: Penn State Press
ISBN: 9780271024738
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 278

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Book Description
Everywhere you look people are more aware of what they eat and where their food comes from. In a cafeteria in Los Angeles, children make their lunchtime food choices at fresh-fruit and salad bars stocked with local foods. In a community garden in New York, low-income residents are producing organically grown fruits and vegetables for their own use and to sell at market. In Madison, Wisconsin, shoppers select their food from a bounty of choices at a vibrant farmers' market.Together at the Table is about people throughout the United States who are building successful alternatives to the contemporary agrifood system and their prospects for the future. At the heart of these efforts are the movements for sustainable agriculture and community food security. Both movements seek to reconstruct the agrifood system—the food production chain, from the growing of crops to food production and distribution—to become more ecologically sound, economically viable, and socially just. Allen describes the ways in which people working in these movements view the world and how they see their place in challenging and reshaping the agrifood system. She also shows how ideas and practices of sustainable agriculture and community food security have already woven their way into the dominant agrifood institutions. Allen explores the possibilities this process may hold for improving social and environmental justice in the American agrifood system. Together at the Table is an important reminder that much work still remains to be done. Now that the ideas and priorities of alternative food movements have taken hold, it is time for the next—even more challenging—step. Alternative agrifood movements must acknowledge and address the deeper structural and cultural patterns that constrain the long-term resolution of social and environmental problems in the agrifood system.

A Comprehensive Food Safety Assessment of Farmers' Markets in Pennsylvania

A Comprehensive Food Safety Assessment of Farmers' Markets in Pennsylvania PDF Author: Joshua Scheinberg
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Farmers' markets
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
Since the colonial era, farmers in the U. S. have utilized a constantly changing system of markets to barter, sell, and distribute their farmed goods to the local populace. Today, farmers' markets have replaced old-world style markets providing more than just local produce. Since the late 1970's, farmers' markets in the U. S. have experienced an exponential growth with over 8,200 farmers' markets operating in the U. S. today. As farmers' markets have increased in size, scope, and complexity in the kinds of foods sold at these venues, so has the potential food safety risks. Today, farmers' markets provide thousands of farmers in Pennsylvania and hundreds of thousands in the U. S. an economic opportunity to sell their agricultural products outside of the conventional commercial markets, while also allowing them control during harvesting, processing, packaging, transportation, and final sale of their products, from farm to fork. While the economic and social impacts of farmers' markets are no doubt important and positive, previous observational, survey, and microbiological research of farmers' markets in various regions of North American have revealed that in many cases, farmers' market vendors can lack important knowledge and experience in food safety practices and behaviors. These studies have also observed vendors performing high-risk retail food safety behaviors, and identified the presence of both hygiene indicator and pathogenic bacteria on select produce, meat, and dairy products. Throughout the past decade, numerous outbreaks and recalls associated with farmers' market sold food products also have been reported, further highlighting the food safety implications of farmers' markets. While these incidents have yet to cause mass public illness or capture national media attention, there is a great potential for a single food safety incident to jeopardize the farmers' market movement, toppling a billion dollar industry, endangering the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of farmers' in the U. S., and causing illnesses and potential deaths of consumers. To date, several studies have evaluated specific elements of farmers' market food safety, such as consumer preferences and vendor behaviors, however no one study has used multiple research tools to identify food safety gaps in the same setting. Training programs for farmers' market vendors also have been developed, however, current available programs may not be focused specifically on food safety, may not be validated scientifically, and content may not be based on actual farmers' market vendor needs. To date, no current training program has been developed to address the specific and unique needs of Pennsylvanian farmers' markets and vendors. Therefore the purpose of this study is to assess the unique food safety issues related to farmers' markets and vendors in Pennsylvania through a comprehensive food safety needs assessment, and based on the results, develop and pilot-test a new customized food safety training program for farmers' market vendors in Pennsylvania. The comprehensive food safety assessment was accomplished using five tools: 1) the use of direct concealed observations of farmers' market vendors in the retail setting; 2) farmers' market vendor exploratory, knowledge and attitudinal surveys; 3) Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture inspector observational surveys; 4) market manager structured group interviews; and 5) microbiological sampling and analysis of produce, beef, and pork products obtained from Pennsylvania farmers' markets. An overall comparison and compilation of results from each research tool identified key risk factors and gaps in food safety knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Specifically, the microbiological assessment demonstrated that a proportion of select produce and meat obtained from farmers' markets in Pennsylvania was of questionable microbiological quality, due to the presence of fecal coliforms, E. coli, and Listeria spp. Further analysis also suggested that E. coli isolated from meat and produce had unique phylotypic properties and few isolates exhibited potential pathogenic properties. Results of the observational and survey portions of the assessment revealed that a lack of knowledge and improper behaviors performed by vendors related to hand washing, glove use, thermometer use, packaging use, and cross-contamination, were important risk factors which could be addressed through education and training. Based on those results, it was determined that food safety training for farmers' market vendors in Pennsylvania could address food safety knowledge and behavior gaps, potentially leading to safer foods sold at farmers' markets. Guided by the preferences collected from vendor surveys, the FDA Food Code, and applicable Pennsylvania food safety regulations, a training program consisting of a comprehensive food safety resource guide and associated interactive 3-hour PowerPoint presentation was developed and piloted in several cities across Pennsylvania. Using a pre- and post-test knowledge and attitudinal assessment, it was determined that the piloted training program produced significant increases in knowledge and positive changes in attitudes among vendor participants. The overall results of this study demonstrated that a customized, in-person training program, specifically designed to address gaps identified through a comprehensive needs assessment, is an effective strategy for improving the food safety knowledge and changing the attitudes of farmers' market vendors in Pennsylvania. Future use of this training program in Pennsylvania and in neighboring states, could serve to further support and sustain the current farmers' market movement in the U. S., while ensuring public safety and the success of individual vendors.

Sustaining Farmers Markets in Low-income, Urban Areas

Sustaining Farmers Markets in Low-income, Urban Areas PDF Author: Dru Nichole Montri
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781267845030
Category : Electronic dissertations
Languages : en
Pages : 100

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Book Description
"The objective of this study is to explore three complementary research questions. First, what motivates farmers to participate in farmers markets in low-income, urban areas? Second, what is the process of development for small, early-stage farmers markets in these communities? Third, what are farmers{u2019} attitudes regarding Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) programs in place at these farmers markets?"--Abstract.

Local Food Systems; Concepts, Impacts, and Issues

Local Food Systems; Concepts, Impacts, and Issues PDF Author: Steve Martinez
Publisher: DIANE Publishing
ISBN: 1437933629
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 87

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Book Description
This comprehensive overview of local food systems explores alternative definitions of local food, estimates market size and reach, describes the characteristics of local consumers and producers, and examines early indications of the economic and health impacts of local food systems. Defining ¿local¿ based on marketing arrangements, such as farmers selling directly to consumers at regional farmers¿ markets or to schools, is well recognized. Statistics suggest that local food markets account for a small, but growing, share of U.S. agricultural production. For smaller farms, direct marketing to consumers accounts for a higher percentage of their sales than for larger farms. Charts and tables.