Integrating issues of sustainably produced foods into nutrition practice: A survey of Minnesota Dietetic Association members

A survey was mailed to a representative, randomly selected sample of Minnesota Dietetic Association members (n=300) to evaluate attitudes and intentions regarding the integration of issues pertaining to sustainably produced foods into professional practice. The United States Department of Agriculture describes sustainable agriculture as including goals of farm profitability, environmental stewardship, and improved rural quality of life. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, independent t tests, one-way ANOVA, correlations, and multiple regression analyses (P≤.05). Forty-three percent had heard of sustainable agriculture, 13% had integrated issues of sustainably produced foods into their practice, and 20% stated that it was likely that they would incorporate these issues within the next six months. Perceived behavioral control, subjective norm, and rated importance of knowing about agricultural practices independently predicted intention. Dietitians surveyed were interested in learning more, but most were not integrating these issues into practice because of perceived barriers, including a lack of knowledge about this topic. J Am Diet Assoc. 2003;103:608-611.