Anna Birgitte Milford
Research Scientist
(+47) 990 49 836
anna.birgitte.milford@nibio.no
Place
Bergen
Visiting address
Thormøhlensgate 55, 5006 Bergen
Abstract
Community supported agriculture (CSA) is a format for provisioning food, usually vegetables, where consumers are involved, to various degrees, in the production process. In this study of survey data, we explore differences between CSAs in Norway and the UK in terms of organisational models and member characteristics, particularly the factors that contribute to increase member contentment with CSAs, and their perceptions of their own mental health and vegetable consumption. Results show that compared to the British, Norwegian CSA members participate far more actively in the cultivation and harvesting of the vegetables, and more often prepay subscrip‑ tions for the whole season. In both countries, CSA membership was perceived to have caused improvements in members’ life quality, vegetable intake and physical and mental health. Members who participated more actively in the CSA and who received more of their vegetables through the CSA, were also more satisfied with their CSA and had a stronger perception that their vegetable consumption level and their mental health were positively affected by membership. Members with lower educational attain‑ ment levels were more likely to have discovered new vegetables through the CSA. Environmentally friendly production methods were also found to be important for CSA members. Vegetable quality and affordability were associated with higher content‑ment, and learning how to cook and grow vegetables through the CSA was associated with higher consumption of, and interest in, new vegetables. Overall, the results indicate that CSAs can stimulate contentment due to their members’ perceptions of social and environmental benefits.
Abstract
Plant-based meat analogues (PBMA) are expected to reduce environmental, health, and animal welfare challenges from the production and consumption of meat. This paper investigates PBMA consumption using three rounds of a survey. PBMA consumption in Norway increased from 2017 to 2019 but stagnated in 2022. Several food choice motives and socioeconomic factors affected consumption consistently across the survey rounds. Emphasizing the environment, animal welfare, and novelty were positively associated with PBMA consumption, while emphasizing familiarity and Norwegian origin were negatively associated. Younger, higher educated, urban, and vegetarian respondents were more likely to consume PBMA. Use of social media had a positive effect on the consumption for the total sample, but it was not stable across the survey rounds. Producers, marketers, and other policy makers could promote the environmental and animal welfare benefits along with the novelty aspects of PBMA. The use of domestic ingredients could also appeal to older and rural individuals who emphasize food familiarity.
Abstract
No abstract has been registered
Division of Food Production and Society
The role of diversified small-scale horticulture in a transition towards more sustainable food systems with healthier diets (SmallHort)
The aim of the project is to explore how food systems based on diversified small-scale horticulture can be developed to become more economically, socially and environmentally sustainable while also increasing in scale. This will provide benefits to nature, environment and public health.
Division of Biotechnology and Plant Health
IPM-fruit: IPM strategies for future fruit production
IPM fruit will investigate how preventive and alternative control measures can be used for sustainable fruit production. The project will study how natural enemies, physical control, and biologicals as well as combinations of these can be best applied under Norwegian conditions. The project will be carried out in collaboration with the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), the Norwegian advisory service (NLR), NIAB East Malling (UK), IRTA (Sapin), and also in close collaboration with fruit growers.