Food : the French willing to pay more to eat better

Hannamariah/epictura

Published the 10.10.2017 at 12: 55

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Keywords :

alimentationbioagriculture

On the eve of the speech of Emmanuel Macron on the States-general of food, the NGO WWF publishes an Ifop survey on the habits and perceptions of consumption of the French. The results are without appeal : they reveal that the French people are ready for ” a genuine transition agriculture and food “, can we read.

They are more and more aware of the environmental risks and public health associated with the model of industrial agriculture. Thus, nine out of ten consider their health affected by the presence of pesticides in the food consumed. Many have already changed their consumption habits : 70 % of them have opted for products that are more responsible, or are considering doing so.

Less meat, more organic

In addition, two-thirds of French people consume organic food, which is two times more than 20 years ago, shows the survey. A budget equivalent, 72% of French are willing to modify their diet by including more organic products and less products that are more expensive and high environmental impact (meat, dairy products, etc.). Finally, 67% of French are willing to reduce their animal protein consumption in favour of products of the highest quality.

The French have shown a willingness to change towards a model of agriculture that is more sustainable. Nearly seven in ten (69%) are willing to pay more for their food products, to allow farmers to be better paid. In addition, 87 % of the French say they are in favour of the reorientation of public aid to practices focusing on agriculture eco-friendly (organic, agro-ecology, permaculture, etc). Finally, three-quarters are in favour of the ministry of the Environment has decision-making authority, alongside the ministry of Agriculture on all agricultural subjects

Labelling on pesticides

The survey also shows an increased perception of social and environmental issues related to the agricultural system among the French. Thus, 89 % of them claim to use a labelling informing on the presence of pesticides in food products, and all are in favour of full transparency on the prices of food products : how much is allocated to the compensation of the farmers, what part corresponds to the margins of retailers and industry…

“The survey highlights that the French have already changed their consumption habits and are aware of the environmental risks and public health to which we are exposed to industrial agriculture,” says Pascal Canfin, director general of WWF France. There is in France a cultural majority that never ceases to move forward, a majority of French that calls for an agricultural transition and food that is ready to break away from the agricultural model current. Emmanuel Macron said to have the courage to reform : with the States-general of the power, he now has the opportunity to demonstrate it ! Otherwise, we are likely to attend the divorce between the president of the Republic and the aspirations of the French on the subject. “