Consumers Want to Buy Local Produce, Preserve Farmland

ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 6, 2012) – Seventy-eight (78) percent of Marylanders are more likely to buy produce that is identified as having been grown by a Maryland farmer, according to the recently released 2012 Policy Choices Survey by the University of Baltimore Schaefer Center for Public Policy. In addition, a full 92 percent of those surveyed said that it is at least “somewhat important” that the state preserve land for farming while a full 61 percent said it was “very important.” These results, which are similar to those in the 2010 Policy Choices Survey, show consistent support for Maryland agriculture.

“The results show that Marylanders understand that preserving farmland and buying locally are essential to keeping Maryland smart, green and growing,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance.  “Marylanders not only want to protect and preserve our family farms and businesses and restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay, but they also understand the complexities of addressing these challenges. That understanding has helped and will continue to help us find innovative solutions for moving forward together.”

The survey revealed a significant understanding of the major threats impacting the health of the Chesapeake Bay. Seventy-two (72) percent identified industrial discharge and 64 percent identified sewage treatment plants as major threats to the health of the Chesapeake Bay. Fifty-four (54) percent of those surveyed identified farm runoff as having a major impact on the Bay; however, that figure is down from 66 percent in 2010. Fifty-three (53) percent identified storm water runoff from urban areas as a major impact while 50 percent saw growth and development as a major threat. In addition, 42 percent thought runoff from residential lawns and backyards was a major threat to the Bay and 30 percent of respondents saw automobile emissions as a major threat.

“Every sector must do its part to help restore the Chesapeake Bay, and farmers have been doing their part for years,” said Secretary Hance.  “This survey shows that their efforts are being recognized and that the impact of other sectors is equally important to recognize and address.”

A new set of questions included in the survey this year pertained to Marylanders desire and habits regarding horse-related activities. Of those surveyed, 45 percent indicated they or a household member had wanted to participate in a horse-related activity. Of those respondents, 88 percent said they wanted to engage in sport or recreational riding, while 10 percent indicated they would like to horse race. However, only 14 percent of Marylanders indicated they had actually participated in such an event. The gap between those who want to participate in horse-related activities and those who actually do is a main target of MDA’s Maryland Horse Industry Board, which was created to support the state’s horse industry.

The 2012 telephone survey of 808 adult Marylanders has a margin of error of +/- 3.45 percent at the 95 percent confidence level. The Maryland Department of Agriculture has periodically participated in the Schaefer Center Policy Choices Survey since 2002 to gauge public opinion about a number of farming issues and consumer preferences. The survey is conducted annually.

More information about the survey can be found online at http://scpp.ubalt.edu.