According to the 2020 public trust research conducted by the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity (CCFI), Canadians are feeling more confident than ever about our food system. This past year saw exceptional pressures on the food supply, including food hoarding and panic buying, temporary idling of processing plants and a dramatic shift in demand from food service to retail sectors. Continuing to deliver an abundance of safe and nutritious food for Canadians lead to a sizeable increase in food supply optimism. Other important findings from the report include:
Food System’s Response to COVID-19
The food system’s response to the pandemic is highly praised by Canadians; nearly nine in ten trust that the food system will ensure the availability of healthy food for Canadians.
Food Affordability
Nearly half of Canadians are more concerned about food affordability compared to last year and over half of Canadians have less money to spend on food due to the pandemic.
Attitudes Towards Antibiotics
There has been a significant shift in attitude when it comes to antibiotics and our food system. Concern about drug resistance and drug residues in meat, milk and eggs have reached a 5-year low with just over a third saying they are very concerned about this issue.
Sustainability a Necessity
Sustainability is a requirement to be a trusted and successful food system player. Most Canadians actively seek out food items that use less packaging or have minimal environmental impacts.
Where are Canadians Getting Their Information?
Across all issues, Google and websites are the most frequently cited as the primary source of information. Information sought about food related topics can be seen below.
While CCFI expects certain results may vary next year, the research shows that the Canadian food and agriculture system’s demonstrated resilience in 2020 resulted in improved public trust overall in the food system.
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