Attitudes of rural population in emergency exposure situations

People growing crops in kitchen gardens eat locally self-produced food and are the subject of growing attention as the potential for a more sustainable development. A survey was carried out in two provinces in northern Italy to gather information on the consumption of local horticultural products, peoples’ expectations of authorities in the case of a nuclear accident and peoples’ behaviour in the absence of official information. Results show that up to 70% of the owners of kitchen gardens possess diets comprised of more than 60% of self-produced vegetables and can be regarded as particular groups of population. In the case of a dispersion of radioactive material, the local population would take advantage of official information on preventive measures to protect farms and local crops from contamination. Results of the survey show differences in the attitude of the population due to age, gender and past experience.

► Growers of kitchen gardens are particular groups of population.
► A survey in northern Italy reveals that they eat more than 60% of self-produced vegetables.
► They lack of confidence in the ability of authorities to communicate hazards to the food supply.
► Their age and gender is one of the main parameters affecting confidence in the authorities.
► The lack of a tradition of public dialog and participation affects their trust in the authorities.