Survey: Farmers Trustworthy, Not Environmental Stewards

Sixty-one percent of Canadians have a “very or somewhat” positive impression of Canadian agriculture, according to a new national survey released by Farm and Food Care (FFC) and the newly minted Canadian Center For Food Integrity.

That’s the highest ranking Canadians have given farming since FFC started asking Canadians for their opinions a decade ago. In 2006, 41 percent of respondents were positive. The numbers climbed to 52 percent in 2009 and 56 percent in 2012.

Findings from the survey reveal that 69 percent of Canadians view farmers as a favorable source of information. Only 29 percent, however, believe Canadian farmers are good environmental stewards.

“That’s not a passing grade, it’s not high enough,” said Crystal Mackay, CEO for Farm and Food Care. “Those of us who work in communications and are passionate about caring for their land need to step up. We are doing a lot of heavy lifting and great work for the environment, but people don’t seem to know that or recognize that.”

She continued: “It’s important for farmers to tell consumers that they share their concern for things like environmental stewardship,” Mackay said. Source: RealAgriculture.com