Some consumers really do care. But at the moment, not enough to make a real difference, IMO. At least in a grocery store.
I see that at the farmer's market every week. There are those who will just go for the freshest and best tasting, and not even ask the price. They know and appreciate the quality, and are willing to pay.
Then you get the odd one who says "I can get carrots a lot cheaper at Safeway." One lady even told a vendor at our market that there was no reason to charge more than the grocery store, because the cost of garden seeds hasn't gone up. No concept of labour or all the other things that go into growing produce.
That being said, it is changing. The local food movement is growing quietly in the background, and will get bigger with every rood recall.
The thing about it is that no one has mentioned yet is that those who care where their food comes from and want to know will not be going to Safeway or Sobey's to buy it. They will be the ones buying direct from producers.
I think the grocery stores know this, and support for traceability is one of their ways of dealing with the competition from direct sellers. Just look at the Superstore's new campaign about supporting local growers and you'll see it.
I see that at the farmer's market every week. There are those who will just go for the freshest and best tasting, and not even ask the price. They know and appreciate the quality, and are willing to pay.
Then you get the odd one who says "I can get carrots a lot cheaper at Safeway." One lady even told a vendor at our market that there was no reason to charge more than the grocery store, because the cost of garden seeds hasn't gone up. No concept of labour or all the other things that go into growing produce.
That being said, it is changing. The local food movement is growing quietly in the background, and will get bigger with every rood recall.
The thing about it is that no one has mentioned yet is that those who care where their food comes from and want to know will not be going to Safeway or Sobey's to buy it. They will be the ones buying direct from producers.
I think the grocery stores know this, and support for traceability is one of their ways of dealing with the competition from direct sellers. Just look at the Superstore's new campaign about supporting local growers and you'll see it.
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