Young Ontarians are Least Aware of Where their Food Comes From. What else can be done???

Farmers Feed Cities' survey results are disappointing On average, only 41 per cent of the younger generation (18-34) claim to be aware of where their food is grown while 62 per cent of adults (35-54) and 68 per cent of adults (55+) are aware of their food's origin. 

What else can we do tto improve their awaremess?

Here is the article:

Farmers Feed Cities Promotes Education Early On

GUELPH, ON, Oct. 4, 2011 /CNW/ - To celebrate Ontario Agriculture Week (October 3 - 9, 2011), Farmers Feed Cities surveyed Ontarians, discovering consumers are increasingly aware of the importance of farming, yet younger generations are relatively unaware of where their food is grown.

According to a recent survey, 97 per cent of Ontarians agree that farming is important to the province's economic strength, health and wellbeing and sustainable environmental future.

While Ontarians are taking strides in understanding the relevance of farming and its impact on the province, the results illustrate a clear gap between generations.  On average, only 41 per cent of the younger generation (18-34) claim to be aware of where their food is grown while 62 per cent of adults (35-54) and 68 per cent of adults (55+) are aware of their food's origin.  Farmers Feed Cities is working to bridge this gap through education.

"With Ontario Agriculture Week underway, there's no better time to understand your food's journey from farm to fork," says Jenny Van Rooy, Campaign Coordinator, Farmers Feed Cities.  "The province's older generation has a strong understanding of farming and the food process.  It's time to share the knowledge by bringing the farm story to the entire family."

With less than 2 per cent of Canadians directly involved in farming, there is a significant misunderstanding among the Canadian public of farming and how food is produced.  This school year, Farmers Feed Cities is taking action, launching the Friend a Farmer program in partnership with Ontario Farm Animal Council (OFAC), AGCare, and Ontario Agri-Food Education (OAFE).  The program provides an interactive opportunity for school children to learn about why farming in Ontario is important through building relationships with real farmers.

"Farmers Feed Cities wants to foster a generation of informed consumers," says Van Rooy. "Children are filled with constant curiosity and we want to be there with the right answers to help revitalize the public attitude and perception towards Ontario's farming community."

The survey reveals Ontarians are ready to focus on the farm, finding respondents were overwhelmingly (93 per cent) interested in supporting Farmers Feed Cities - a campaign committed to increasing the understanding of the value that farmers contribute to Ontario's economic, physical and social health; and to ensure a sustainable future for farmers in Ontario.

About Farmers Feed Cities:
A stronger farming industry means a stronger Ontario. That's why Farmers Feed Cities highlights how farmers grow food for families to ensure a healthy and strong future for generations to come.

The Farmers Feed Cities campaign was developed in 2005, and is an initiative of Ontario Grains & Oilseeds - a coalition of Grain Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Bean Producers' Marketing Board, Ontario Canola Growers' Association, Ontario Coloured Bean Growers' Association and Seed Corn Growers of Ontario. Collectively these groups represent more than 28,000 farmers.

For more information, visit www.FarmersFeedCities.com.