Study reveals consumers have high expectations, but low levels of appreciation for farmers
Cargill found half the people surveyed in the United States, China, Mexico and Spain saw a farmer primarily as a “person who feeds the world.”
A new study released by Cargill, Minneapolis, found consumers had a hard-to-satisfy wish list for those who put food on our tables—with most claiming to feel knowledgeable about how food is raised. Farmers should care most about “providing safe, healthy, abundant and affordable food,” said a majority of survey takers. Yet, those same respondents would prefer their food come from smaller/specialty, local or organic farms.
“Farmers are foundational to feeding the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way,” says Pilar Cruz, president of Cargill’s feed and nutrition business. “But, they do so under pressure. On one hand, affordable food is central to many families’ budgets. On the other, people are questioning the farming approaches that have made food more available and affordable. Cargill sees all viewpoints because we partner with farmers, food companies and beyond. So, we work to raise awareness and foster understanding across the value chain. Chairing the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition’s Heartland Tour, a partnership aimed at showcasing and advancing ways for local farming to contribute to global progress, is one example.”