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New research from Ohio State University shows some positive trends in public perceptions that also are key OFBF messages.

The 2004 "Ohio Survey of Food, Agriculture and Environmental Issues," led by Ohio State researcher Jeff Sharp, was a follow-up to a similar survey done in 2002, according to Pat Petzel, OFBF director of promotion and education. The survey of several thousand Ohioans shows that nearly 26 percent have heard of the "Ohio Farmers are Naturally Resourceful" slogan, and nearly 32 percent have heard of the "Every day is Earth day to a farmer" slogan.

For farmers, the numbers are even higher: 58 percent of farmers are familiar with the Earth Day slogan.

These numbers represent an increase since 2002 when, according to OFBF research, only 23 percent of Ohioans were familiar with the Naturally Resourceful slogan and 26 percent were familiar with the Earth Day slogan.

The Ohio State data indicated the public trusts farmers to protect the environment more in 2004 than in 2002. To the statement "I trust Ohio farmers to protect the environment" in 2002 59 percent of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, and in 2004 that percentage increased to 67 percent agreeing or strongly agreeing. The economic message seems to be resonating as well. To the statement, "Ohio’s economy will suffer if the state continues to lose farms," in 2002, 80 percent agreed or strongly agreed and in 2004, 85 percent agreed or strongly agreed.

Ohio Farm Bureau’s "Ohio Farmers are Naturally Resourceful" and "Every day is Earth day to a farmer" campaigns started in 2000 with billboards and other promotional methods.