The Grassroots Greenhouse 2023

Canada’s Agriculture & Food Sectors Viewed as a Key Driver of National Security and Critical Infrastructure

TORONTO, ON – August 15, 2023 – The fifth annual national Agri-Food public opinion poll by Grassroots Public Affairs finds one third of Canadians (32%) continue to see hunger and food insecurity as a very serious issue in Canada (33% in 2022), with heaviest responsibility on government to manage the national problem.  Most Canadians (72%) are opting for lower-cost or discounted food items (up from 38% in 2020).

In partnership with Food Banks Canada, Fertilizer Canada, and other sector stakeholders, Grassroots’ online survey measured attitudes, direction, and intensity of public opinion on a range of issues around Canada’s domestic Agri-Food sector.

While 46% of Canadians see Healthcare as the most important industry for Canada’s national security and critical infrastructure, 42% identified Agriculture and Agri-Food as the lead driver.  Interesting findings include:

• Securing enough labour was identified as the most significant challenge facing Canadian farmers, with 46% rating it as very important
• Protein consumption habits are shifting with 38% of Canadians eating more red meat in 2023, compared to 15% in 2022
• 27% of Canadians are eating at home more frequently, and 42% are eating out at restaurants less frequently

“So much has changed over the past 3 years, including supply chain viability, and increasing food prices, but Canadians still believe strongly in the potential of domestic food production. There will always be challenges, but few other industries are consistently viewed as positively. Canada’s Agriculture and Agri-Food sector is resilient, and with the full support of government it will continue to help Canada regain economic stability,” says Peter Seemann, Principal & Sr. Consultant at Grassroots Public Affairs.

Multiple years of thorough research has reinforced Grassroots Public Affairs strong belief in the growth potential of Canada’s domestic food system. We will be releasing more detailed findings including demographic breakdowns on a variety of questions in the coming weeks.

Methodology and Sample Size

The Canada-wide survey was conducted via an online panel of 1,000 Canadians 18+. Fieldwork for the survey took place between May 3rd and May 18th, and the survey was offered in English and French.

View the ‘Greenhouse’ Findings’ below: