IFIC Spotlight Survey: Climate Change & Food Production
April 22, 2020
Research Type
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When many of us hear the term climate change, we think about changes in the weather and how human activity impacts our environment. Many consumers, as uncovered in IFIC’s previous research, also think about the environment when shopping for foods and beverages. Our latest survey dives deeper into climate change specifically as a factor in consumers’ minds when considering what foods to buy and, ultimately, to eat.
The International Food Information Council (IFIC) commissioned an online research survey with consumers based in the US to measure knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about climate change and food choices. One thousand adults aged 18+ years completed the survey from April 9-10, 2020, and responses were weighted to ensure proportional results.
Key findings include:
- Most people are concerned about climate change, and these concerns affect their food and beverage purchases.
- Most are concerned about food production’s impact on climate change, and consumers care about “the how.”
- Consumers believe reducing greenhouse gases and pesticide use would be most effective for lowering climate change consequences.
- Food packaging is a key part of the climate change conversation.
- Many look to “natural,” “organic,” and “locally produced” labels to shape perceptions of a product’s impact on the climate.
- Consumers want environmentally friendly products, but category and cost play a role.