Public Has High Opinion Of U.S. Farmers, NCGA-Funded Survey Says

According to the 2004 Consumer Attitudes about Animal Welfare Study, conducted by the Animal Agricultural Alliance, Americans have a high opinion of farmers and ranchers.

According to the results of this survey, the American public believes that farmers impact and have a strong role in healthy and cost-effective food production.

The findings also show that the public believes that obesity is a social and personal concern related to poor diet and lack of exercise.

The public is generally open to the idea of genetically modified foods; nearly half believe that scientists should be allowed to use science and genetics to breed farm animals which are resistant to bacteria.

A significant number of respondents are willing to pay premiums for foods labeled with a humanely-raised label.

7% of respondents indicated that the influence of animal rights activists are “extremely” or “very” influential over their purchase decisions related to certain products.