Consumer awareness driving change in food producers
Research & Extension
As consumers become more aware of and sensitive to where their food comes from and the environmental impact of its production, producers too need to become more aware of their market.
Eco-credentials and Sustainability is the focus of the next webinar in APAL’s free webinar series. Subject experts will discuss how best to optimise eco-system services and sustainability in horticultural production systems to remaining profitable.
Eco-credentials and Sustainability follows on from the success of the first webinar in APAL’s online series on 14 May. Almost 50 people tuned in virtually to listen to Dr SP Singh from NSW Department of Primary Industry present on using supercharged air to minimise food safety risks.
Horticultural production relies on a number of inputs, including eco-system services – those services provided by nature such as soil and water resources.
Assessing the sustainability of orchards relies on determining the amount of resources used in production and the environmental impacts. Dr Brent Clothier, Science Group Leader of Production Footprints and Biometrics and Sustainable Production and Plant & Food Research New Zealand, will discuss how these services can be used more efficiently to maximise production outcomes while at the same time optimising use of natural resources.
Growing climate change and environment awareness and drought have brought much closer scrutiny to the provenance of food and its means of production. Increases in veganism and the number of meat-alternative products now available are an example of changes in consumer awareness, and attitudes toward perception of the food footprint of a product.
With pressure from the community, supermarkets are guiding the development of eco-credential criteria to meet consumer demands. These products will attract a premium price.
Will you, as a producer, be part of what drives consumer purchases?
Do you operate an orchard that is profitable, cost-efficient with a minimal environmental footprint?
Hort Innovation is working with horticultural businesses, consumers and others to develop a guide to help the horticulture sector share its sustainable, ethical and safe farming practice stories with stakeholders. More information can be found here.
Dr Brent Clothier, Science Group Leader of Production Footprints and Biometrics and Sustainable Production and Plant & Food Research New Zealand, will join Dr Anthony Kachenko, General Manager Extension and Adoption, Hort Innovation, on Wednesday 27 May to discuss how best to optimise ecosystem services and sustainability in horticultural production systems to remaining profitable.
APAL’s webinar series is free, but registration is essential. Hort Innovation is a major funding partner of the webinar series. Click here for more information, or to register.
