Consumers Endorse System to Certify Eco-Agricultural Products, Survey Shows

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Mizuho Information & Research Institution Inc., a Japanese research firm, released on March 30, 2010, the results of its consumer survey on earth-friendly agricultural products. It targeted women 20 years old or over who regularly purchase rice, vegetables, and fruits, and found that more than 70 percent of respondents supported the creation of an "earth-friendly agricultural products" certification system. The survey was carried out as part of anti-global warming activities involving agricultural production conducted by Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in fiscal 2009.

Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture have been made over the years, such as application of compost and introduction of green manure in farming. In the survey, 71.3 percent of respondents agreed that a certification system is needed for earth-friendly agricultural products, and 43.1 percent of those said that the various existing certification systems should be integrated. Out of all respondents, 52.5 percent answered that they would buy certified green products when such a system is introduced. They also said it would be acceptable to pay 15 to 24 percent more for products that are 100 percent free of carbon dioxide emissions.

The company concluded that consumers would welcome certified eco-friendly agricultural products to a certain extent, although it cannot predict how they will act when it comes to actual purchasing choices.

Mizuho Information & Research Institution Inc. official website
http://www.mizuho-ir.co.jp/english/

Posted: 2010/09/05 06:00:15 AM