IFB study shows IA consumers trust farmers and buy ?real? products

by | Aug 10, 2022 | 5 Ag Stories, News

?Recession? is a word that has been tossed around a lot lately. Whether you subscribe that we are in a recession or not, there is no denying that the economy has been feeling strain this year. Consumers are changing their spending habits to accommodate inflation and the growing costs of food and fuel.

In Iowa, we are known to be an agricultural state. However, just like those who live in urban areas, farmers are also consumers of goods at the grocery store. The Iowa Farm Bureau recently conducted its annual Food and Farm Index? study to find out what Iowa consumers are doing. This study looks at the information gleaned from primary food purchasers from ages 20-60. This study is especially important in a year when consumers need to stretch their dollars.

Zach Bader is a Digital Marketing Manager for the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. He says the results of this study continue to show that Iowans shop mostly by the price they must pay at the supermarket. However, he says that has become an even more important factor this year. What he really found interesting was the number of consumers who think recent government policy is going to drive up the cost of food.

Bader talks about the findings they have when it comes to purchasing animal-based proteins. It also comes to education and perceptions of healthy options.

Bader adds that programs like the Butchery Innovation and Revitalization Program in 2021 help make that connection between consumers and their local farmers. Helping them source their products from people they know if that is what they are wanting to do. The study also shows that Iowa consumers trust Iowa farmers.

You can find out more about the study on the Iowa Farm Bureau website.