2011 Food Trends Supports Family Farms
The National Restaurant Association released their Survey of more than 1,500 professional chefs regarding what they see to be the Top 10 food trends for 2011. It was no surprise to me (or for many of the small family farms now privately selling their crops to restauranteurs) that “locally sourced meats and produce” top the list as #1 and #2.
The restaurant industry is also using the term “sustainability” as a culinary theme and one we have been using in agriculture for many years. Isn’t is great to know that our agricultural industry is being heard and that many small farms can now bring their crops fresh from the fields to the backdoor of the restaurant kitchen.
Another important top food trend (#6) is the focus to bring “nutrition” to children’s meals. We have seen progress in this regard with several of the fast food chains but certainly not enough as we continue to record the obesity rising in our youth. It will be interesting to watch how individual restaurants and this industry plan to make menu changes that focus on children’s nutrition.
If you would like to watch a video telling you more about these Top 10 Trends just CLICK HERE.
Linking our local chefs with our local farmers is not always easy but many of our state agricultural departments are working to develop these networks. Our message remains “buy and eat local foods” because this is truly the best way to sustain your local family farms.
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