Polls Finds Public
Distrusts Activists

The Animal Industry Foundation says the American public trusts farmers and ranchers more than it does animal rights activists.

The pro-agriculture group says a national consumer opinion survey shows that Americans have confidence in ranchers and farmers, but regard animal activists, particularly those attacking the livestock industry, with general skepticism and distrust.

"The results of the survey don't surprise anyone who appreciates the contribution to our quality of life made by animal agriculture," says Steve Kopperud, AIF president. "Our polls show consistently over the years that the public trusts and values American farmers and ranchers and the important job they do so well. At the same time, animal rightists repeatedly prove themselves to be out of touch with the public at large on just about every level."

Eighty-eight percent of those surveyed by the group think American farmers and ranchers do a good job of producing healthy food at reasonable prices.

The poll, taken in 1998, is the fourth survey by the group to track trends in philosophies, issues and buying habits.

Veterinarians had the highest rating of public trust, according to the survey, with a 94 percent approval. Ranchers recorded an 84 percent approval rating, while college professors had an 83 percent approval rate.

The poll also asked respondents if they would be willing to pay more for products labeled "humanely raised." About 44 percent say they would try such a product if it meant a five percent increase in cost. That number slipped to 20 percent when the costs increased 10 percent, and the number dropped to six percent when costs went up 20 percent.

The public opinion survey was conducted by Provo, Utah-based Western Wats Center Market Research, the second largest independent data collection and processing firm in the U.S.

AIF describes itself as a non-profit foundation dedicated to educating the public about livestock and poultry production.