Tis the season for overeating. I would take a wild guess and say that many people reading this column over indulged Thanksgiving weekend and will probably do so again during Christmas or perhaps even during New Years. I know I did and will again. It’s hard not to take more than my fair share of food when there are so many delicious choices on the table during the holidays. From ham and turkey, to mashed potatoes and gravy and sweet potatoes, to pies and candies, I just can’t seem to get enough until I am miserably full.
As I think back to all of the delectable dishes the hands in my family prepared for Thanksgiving I can’t help but think about the number of famers that made it possible. From the poultry growers to the potato farmers to those that harvest pecans Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, and every meal for that matter, wouldn’t be possible without farmers.
It’s easy for those of us in the agricultural industry to see a feast and think about the farmers who make it possible by working 365 days a year in the freezing cold and the blazing heat. But what about the millions of consumers who gather around the table day after day? Do they think about the farmers? Do they even know the hours of labor and production risks that accompany the foods they love? With the average American three generations removed from the farm its no wonder that consumers can’t make the connection between farming and food.
However, I do believe consumers want to be more educated when it comes to making food purchases. Through social media I see several of my own acquaintances raise questions or make comments about GMOs, organic food production and buying local.
According to the 2014 Core Communications Food Issues Trend report 93 percent of consumers surveyed are concerned about food safety and 92 percent are concerned about nutritional value. The survey also reveals other issues that weigh in on food-shopping decisions: locally produced concerns 74 percent, animal welfare concerns 69 percent and non-GMO concerns 67 percent, among other issues.
Although not everyone is going to share the same opinion when it comes to purchasing decisions at least the dialogue is starting.
While we are stuffing our faces this holiday season let’s thank a farmer and educate a consumer. To all of our readers out there who are farmers, thank you for feeding me, my family and the world.
Best wishes,
Lynzee
