75% approval for farmers' compensation

Up to 75 per cent of people consider compensating farmers for market crises is a good investment, a new survey has shown.

The findings of a survey, Consumer Perceptions of the Agriculture and Food Industry’ were published today.

Agri-Aware, the food industry awareness body, commissioned the study which was carried out by University College Dublin's Rural Development Unit.

Questions were put to 400 people nationwide on topics such as the role of agriculture, image of farming, support for agriculture, Irish food produce, traceability, food safety and disease scares.

Nearly 75 per cent of those surveyed considered it a good investment to compensate farmers for crises in the market and more than 90 per cent thought it good to give financial support to farmers who maintain the environment and rural population.

Mr John McCullen, Agri-Aware chairman said: "It is refreshing to find such deep understanding between urban and rural people on the dynamic jigsaw of farming, food, jobs, nature and people".

The survey revealed that traceability and food safety were the major consumer concerns. Over 77 per cent said they check the country of origin before buying meat while 92.3 per cent believe the country of origin should be displayed by shops, restaurants and hotels. Another worry among consumers was the risk from genetically modified food, with 67 per cent classifying it as a major concern.

Up to 80 per cent said they would be willing to pay more to guarantee food safety.

The Department of Agriculture received praise for its handling of Foot-and-Mouth disease with 92 per cent of people commending the State's response to the outbreak.