The Ipsos Reid study measured consumer knowledge of the pork industry in addition to public opinion about food safety, animal welfare, and environmental impact.

Non-farming Canadians are confident about pork industry with positive opinions climbing from 49% in 1999 to 59% in 2004.

Food safety – Preeminent concern among consumers, but perceived to be generally safe, with 9 out of 10 consumers feeling safe or very safe.

Animal welfare – 51% felt that hogs were somewhat to very well treated, with the number rating them very well increasing from 12 to 14% from 2002 to 2004.

Environmental impact – 53% consider hog farming to be environmentally unfriendly.