Issues of climate change and sustainable development concern Canadian society, but people are not prepared for increased financial spending or other concerns, online publication The Western Producer reported on February 29.
Canada’s food and agriculture industries must recognize this failure, says Michael McCain, head of meat major Maple Leaf Foods.
“They care, but it doesn’t motivate them.”“Complains McCain, who was ahead of other large food companies in moving his company toward carbon neutrality. Maple Leaf reorganized many processes even before the issue captured the public’s mind.
In surveys, consumers say they care about sustainability and climate change. When it comes to raising food prices or changing consumer habits, most people aren’t interested. According to McCain, without public support it is difficult to move forward.
“We have to find ways to convince consumers”McCain says.
Maple Leaf aggressively implemented perceived trends in the market. In the late 2010s, the company began producing plant-based proteins and quickly realized that the demand for meat substitutes was not enough to justify the entire investment. The company abandoned initiatives when weak demand became evident.
Many companies started producing plant-based proteins and then discovered that they couldn’t sell enough product at a price to recoup their investment.
McCain warned against “greenwashing,” fake sellers who call their products and services environmentally positive when they are not.
Source: Rossa Primavera
I am Michael Melvin, an experienced news writer with a passion for uncovering stories and bringing them to the public. I have been working in the news industry for over five years now, and my work has been published on multiple websites. As an author at 24 News Reporters, I cover world section of current events stories that are both informative and captivating to read.