Irish people are overwhelmingly proud of our food and farming sector.
However, eight in 10 are concerned that future generations are at risk of losing their connection with where their food comes from, according to new research by Our Food Roots.
Our Food Roots brings together organisations from across Ireland’s agri-food sector in response to the challenge of a growing disconnect between people and where their food comes from.
The research, conducted by Empathy Research in August of this year with 1,000 adults in Ireland, found that nine in 10 are proud of the quality of Irish food and drink.
It also found that eight in 10 trust Irish farmers as a source of information on farming and food production, highlighting the strong position farmers hold with the public.
This positive sentiment extends to the contribution farmers make beyond food production, with nine in 10 valuing the sector’s contribution to Irish society and the economy and the same proportion believing that Irish farmers deserve greater recognition for the role they play in producing food.
Concerns
However, this support sits alongside a clear concern about the future, with eight in 10 believing future generations are at risk of losing their connection to where food comes from.
Two-thirds are also concerned about Ireland’s ability to produce enough food in the years ahead.
The findings were published on Tuesday and highlight the need to find new and relevant ways to build connection between younger audiences and the food they eat, where it comes from and the people behind its production.
It comes as Our Food Roots launches 'We Make Greatness from Grass' on 1 September, a disruptive campaign directed at younger generations hoping to connect a new generation with Irish food and farming.
The campaign is aimed at younger people who have little connection with farming.
SHARING OPTIONS