This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Report on food and farming
06/02/2004
Three quarters of the Scottish public believe farming is important and over sixty per cent of consumers in Scotland seek out Scottish meat, according to a survey of public attitudes into food and farming published today.
Almost half of over 2000 interviewees believe that improving animal health standards is the most important issue confronting farming in Scotland. Younger Scots rated animal welfare issues as the most significant concern.
Respondents were asked about farming issues, food standards, and their shopping preferences. Understanding of farming issues and food production methods was higher among older respondents and those living in rural areas.
The survey found that 97 per cent of respondents used supermarkets for their main shopping. Over three quarters shopped weekly spending less than £75. Consumers make their shopping choices mainly on price but origin and method of production are important to some consumers.
Findings include:
• 75 per cent of respondents thought that farming issues were important
• 46 per cent though improving disease control was the most important farming issue.
• 21 per cent thought improving animal welfare standards were important,
• 11 per cent thought improving the countryside and wildlife were important
• 61 per cent of Scottish consumers tried to source Scottish meat
• 80 per cent of Scottish consumers were aware of the Specially Selected Scotch meat assurance scheme.
Welcoming the report Deputy Environment and Rural Development Minister, Allan Wilson said:
"This survey highlights the value that Scottish consumers place on Scottish produce. How farmers farm is important too.
"The public still remember the impact of the 2001 Foot and Mouth outbreak and this has clearly informed the importance placed on improving disease control. Younger consumers want to see higher standards of animal welfare. Others want to see farming doing more to preserve the countryside and our wildlife.
"The Scottish Executive set out its vision for our farming industry in A Forward Strategy for Scottish Agriculture. We want to see an industry that is more market sensitive, being aware of, and responding, to consumer demand.
"We recognise too that improved animal health and welfare standards can enhance Scotland's reputation for producing high quality produce, underpin consumer confidence and raise the profitability of farm businesses.
"While the industry has done much to embrace these goals it is clear that there is more to do. It is disappointing that the survey highlights poor understanding of farming issues among the young and those in urban Scotland. We look to the industry to work more closely with its consumers and build a secure basis for a more profitable future."
The Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department (SEERAD) commissioned mruk with the University of Newcastle to carry out research. The research was funded by SEERAD's Agricultural and Biological Research Group.
The research was managed by SEERAD with support from a steering group comprising representatives from the following organisations: Food Standards Agency Scotland; the National Farmers Union of Scotland; Quality Meat Scotland; the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers; the Scottish Consumer Council; Scottish Food and Drink; Scottish Environment LINK; and Scottish Food Quality Certification.
A representative sample of 2006 members of the Scottish public was interviewed in their own homes. Demographic and geographical differences in perceptions were explored.
The report published today builds on an earlier qualitative analysis of six focus groups.