Progress 01/01/04 to 09/30/06
Outputs
Since human subjects were involved in the survey, Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval on use of human subjects was sought and obtained before administering the 10-page, 7-section questionnaire developed and used for collecting data for the project. Seventy-seven face-to-face interviews of participants were used in collecting data. The questionnaire collected information on knowledge and perceptions of select food safety issues, food shopping habits, and willingness to pay for safer foods for low-income and underserved consumers. Although survey participants showed concern that the food they purchased was safe, many still showed limited knowledge of food safety facts. For example, only 1.3% of participants could correctly estimate how many people were sickened in the US due to foodborne illnesses. About 41.6% indicated that they did not know what the numbers were. Net annual household income of respondents was less than $14,999 for 43% of participants with 34%
being on some kind of food assistance. Information on willingness to pay for safer beef, poultry, and fruits and vegetables data was also collected through the survey. While 31% of the respondents were willing to pay an average of $0.50 more per pound for safer beef, 27% were willing to do so for safer poultry. About 35% were willing to pay anywhere from $0.10 to $0.50 per pound more for safer fruits and vegetables.
Impacts
In the period of this report, students were trained in the use of Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The students acquired data entry and data cleaning skills, data coding and analysis using the above-referenced software. The students were exposed to statistical techniques for analyzing data and encouraged to develop papers and posters in Microsoft PowerPoint software for presentations at professional meetings. Students also learned from the scientists the process of questionnaire development, refinement and the process of seeking institutional approval before administering questionnaires involving human subjects. Students will use data from the project to develop a poster and a paper for presentation at the University-wide research symposium in 2007. Abstracts for those presentations are currently being developed. Experience will enhance skills for students involved in the project.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
Work on the models to be used for data analysis was concluded. The models are, however, still being tested and evaluated for appropriateness. Data collection will start in March 2006. Work on the sampling frame has been developed and strategies for the administration and implementation of the mail and face-to-face surveys have also been completed. After input from researchers and scientists, the questionnaire survey to be used for data collection was finalized and will be sent through the University human subject committee for approval before use.
Impacts
The project continues to provide training for students in data entry, coding and analysis using Excel spreadsheet and the statistical package, SPSS. Students also are trained and have acquired skills that have enhanced understanding of poster preparations, data analysis and management using software including power point, Excel and SPSS. As part of this training, students developed a paper on a related research for presentations at a regional meeting. Research scientists on the project provided essential input in drafting the final version of a questionnaire survey that will be used in collecting data.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
Conceptual development and refining of the economic models which form the basis for proposed food safety research is on-going. More secondary research was conducted in order to help in fine-tuning the instrument(s) to be used in collecting data for the study. Work on the instrument for collecting data has started. The development of the instrument will be concluded in Summer 2005. The target population from which the sample will be drawn is also currently being identified. Primary data collection will start in Fall 2005. Once the instrument for data collected is fully developed, the conceptual model(s) will be evaluated and tested for suitability for collecting the primary data needed for this project.
Impacts
Issues surrounding food safety are complicated. They involve experts in food and social sciences. Discussions among experts in these groups have yielded good insights into what key issues should be addressed in estimating the value that consumers put on safer food. This project will yield important economic considerations to guide policy in the area of the economics of valuing food safety. Additionally, the project will allow scientists in food safety, nutrition, and economics to exchange ideas and develop models that can be useful tools in this area of research. The focus on under-served consumers will allow the project to concentrate on an important group that usually receives very limited or no attention. Extension and outreach activities in the area of food safety valuation will be enhanced through this project. Students will continue to work with scientists in enhancing their economic modeling, project formulation/development, data collection and statistical
analysis skills. Computer training will also enhance their preparation for available career opportunities.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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