Consumption increasing for poultry, yogurt and wine

Canadians are now eating more poultry per capita than beef. Statistics Canada has released new data on the foods we consume. In 2008, the consumption of chicken and turkey increased to 13.6 kilograms per person. By comparison, beef and veal consumption dropped down to 12.8 kilograms. Pork consumption was 9.7 kilograms per person. Milk consumption continued the downward pattern that began at the end of the 80s. Canadians drank 57.7 litres of milk per person, down from 70 litres back in 1988. However, Canadians had 5.4 litres of yogurt in their diet in 2008, more than twice as much as a decade ago. In addition to poultry and yogurt, consumption is increasing for tea, breakfast cereals, berries (particularly blueberries and cranberries), processed fruits, asparagus and wine. Canadians aged 15 and over drank 15 litres of wine per person last year, five times more than in the early 60s. Statistics Canada says the total daily intake per person fell to 2,382 calories last year, a decline of 131 calories since the peak recorded in 2001. Health concerns, age demographics, convenience and food trends all play a role in what people consume and this has a profound impact on agriculture. I’m Kevin Hursh.

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Kevin Hursh, PAg, CAC