Wednesday, May 13th, 2009
2009 National Agricultural Image Survey Illustrates Consumer Confidence in Farmers
In a world crawling with distrust and unreliability, a new survey shows that consumers have a high level of trust in United States farmers.
A consumer survey, which took place in February, surveyed a random sample of 1,000 registered voters with characteristics representative of the U.S. population to determine their approval of agricultural producers.
The results overwhelmingly showed that consumers trust farmers to produce a safe, healthy and abundant supply of food.
Some of the key findings from the study commissioned by the United Soybean Board include:
- Individuals who are somewhat or very favorable toward U.S. poultry and livestock producers rose from 69 percent in 2008 to 78 percent in 2009.
- Top positive farmer attributes among consumers are that farm families know about protecting air and water quality and that most farmers take good care of their animals.
- Nearly 90 percent of consumers do not see farmers as a major reason for increases in food prices.
- Most consumers agree that it’s important to subsidize farmers to ensure a safe food supply.
- After hearing that anti-confinement legislation could force Americans to get their milk, eggs and meat from foreign producers, 78 percent of consumers are against the legislation.
- Consumers see energy security as the most important benefit of biobased products.
The results of this survey are similar to one conducted in July 2008. This survey, conducted by The Center for Food Integrity, revealed that not only do consumers trust agricultural producers when it comes to food safety, but they hold them responsible for it.
These results have been gladly received by many producers, whose livelihood depends on their ability to produce food for not only this nation, but the world. This is especially true for wheat producers who export about half of all the wheat that is grown in the United States to foreign countries.
What is your level of trust for agricultural producers?
Guest blog submitted by:
Steelee Hogue, Communications Director, Texas Wheat Producers Board