Consumer Thoughts on Food Production

CHESTERFIELD, Mo.Americans have a lot of questions about how food is raised, the impact on health and the health of the planet, according to findings of two national surveys about food and how it is grown and raised that were released today during "The Food Dialogues," a town hall-style discussion presented by U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA).

The surveys focused separately on the opinions, attitudes and questions consumers and farmers/ranchers have about the current and future state of how food is grown and raised in the United States. The findings also revealed U.S. consumer have no interest or passion for food production and are divided on the direction of agriculture

"Americans have a lot of questions about where their food comes from, how it is raised and if it is good for their health long-term," said Bob Stallman, chairman of USFRA and president of the American Farm Bureau Federation. "USFRA commissioned two separate surveys to first ask farmers and ranchers what they wished Americans could have more information about where their food comes from. We then asked consumers what questions they have on the same topic. The findings of both surveys indicate there is an opportunity for more dialogue between farmers, ranchers and the American public about how food is grown and raised in the U.S."

The top five topics consumers want more information about include how chemicals are used; how pesticides are used; food safety standards; effect of government regulation on farming; and how antibiotics are used and genetically engineered crops.

The top five topics farmers and ranchers believe are most important to educate consumers about include the effects of pesticides, fertilizers and antibiotics on food; where their food comes from in general; proper care of livestock and poultry; effective government regulations on farming/ranching; and economic value of agriculture.

"We hope the results of the survey combined with today's Food Dialogues event will continue the conversation between farmers, ranchers and anyone who is interested in learning more about how food is grown and raised in the U.S.," Stallman said. "We want all Americans to join us to ask questions and regularly get information from farmers and ranchers who are growing and raising their food. We invite all to join the discussion online at www.fooddialogues.com."