Having worked in agriculture and food for the past eight years, I excitedly look forward to the new year’s release of food trends (#foodnerd) and have come to rely on those cited by the International Food Council Foundation each year. IFIC’s 2019 trends were even more exciting to read this year because they make a strong case for more fresh produce growers and retailers to join the EFI Program.
Food Origins
According to IFIC, there is growing consumer interest in knowing where their food comes from, how it’s produced and whether the brands they purchase align with their values. This trend has continued to strengthen over the past decade, and many consumers are willing to vote with their dollars to support brands that are transparent and have been verified through third parties like EFI.
Agricultural products have largely been considered commodities, bought and sold with no brand recognition, but consumers are showing us that they want more information and wish to connect with brands at a value level.
Food Safety
Last year had the greatest number of foodborne outbreaks in more than a decade, so it’s not surprising that food safety is on the minds of many consumers. IFIC points out the technological advancements that are helping detect and trace outbreaks, but one piece that is often missed in the conversation about food safety is the role of farmworkers. EFI believes that the skills and contributions of farmworkers are essential in producing safer food. Farmworkers are on the frontlines of food safety, and they need to be trained and empowered to identify, mitigate and respond to risks. Nothing is more important than keeping our food supply safe, and EFI provides a new level of protection through the engagement of workers.
More Fruits and Veggies
Americans are looking to bring more vegetables into their diets, embracing plant-based eating patterns and turning away from sugar. This is great news for the fresh produce industry that offers high-nutrient options with natural sweetness. But it means the industry will have to rise to meet demand while overcoming a growing labor shortage. Technology is sure to play a role, but engaging workers through workforce development to help increase productivity and quality is also a great option.
Get ahead of the trends and visit equitablefood.org to learn how you can bring a workforce development program to your farming operation.
LeAnne R. Ruzzamenti
Director, Marketing Communications for EFI
