Survey Shows Farmers Tops in Trustworthiness

When 1,000 consumers were asked who they trusted in the food system, farmers were the clear winners, said the economists overseeing the newly reported Gardner Food and Agricultural Policy Survey. Participants gave farmers an average score of 5.6 on a scale of 1 to 7.

Following in order were grocery stores (5), restaurants (4.6), food manufacturers (4.4), and government (3.6). A score of 7 would mean “trust very much,” a 4 would be “somewhat trust,” and 1 was “do not trust,” according to economists Maria Kalaitzandonakes and Jonathan Coppess of the University of Illinois and Brenna Ellison of Purdue University, respectively.

The Gardner survey will be conducted quarterly, according to the economists, and will include a standard set of questions to monitor how public opinion changes over time about food and agricultural issues. In the debut survey, respondents overwhelmingly said food available to Americans is tasty, safe to eat, and accessible. The lowest scores on food were affordability, at 59%, and sustainability, at 57%.

Editor’s Take:

America’s farmers and ranchers have long been held in high esteem and trust by consumers. Survey after survey supports that conclusion. This trust is earned by being hard-working, honest and caring about doing the best job possible to meet the demand for reasonably priced, safe and tasty food. And, farmers continue to ramp up efforts to further improve sustainability because they know it is important to their customers. We can all be proud to be connected with such a great group of people – the farmers and ranchers in our local area and across this great country. They are the best in the world and are always striving to improve! Make sure you let them know that you support them and agriculture by being a CAD member. Plus, you have a great reward in the form of AgPack when they purchase or lease a new or qualifying used truck.