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by Lynn Snyder

Every other year since 2002, Jeff Sharp, an Ohio State University assistant professor of rural sociology, has conducted a survey to gauge public opinion about agriculture and agricultural practices. Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) has participated in both the 2004 and 2006 surveys to learn about the public’s level of interest in opportunities to interact with farm markets, farm tours and agritourism. The organization also wanted participants to rate their knowledge about how and where their food is grown.

OFBF Director of Consumer Communications Pat Petzel said surveys continually show the public holds farmers in extremely high regard, "but they are questioning what we do and how we do it. Surveys help us more precisely know what the concerns are, even specifically by region."

Sharp is finalizing the "2006 Ohio Survey of Food, Agriculture and Environmental Issues Survey" results, but he is already able to detect some general trends. The survey received a 55 percent response rate, which is extremely high, and respondents reflect Ohio population demographics of gender, age and race, although there were less non-white respondents than is true of Ohio’s population.

"This doesn’t surprise me, but consistently ag is well liked among Ohioans. We’ve found consistent high levels of support for ag," he said. However, "One thing we detect is a generational effect," as far as who supports agriculture by age. The older generation tends to be more supportive of agriculture, but they hold traditional views about farm size, he said.

In the survey, respondents were asked to rate their knowledge of agriculture. "What we see consistently is strong support for agriculture and its contributions to quality of life and (the) economy, but levels of knowledge is moderate. (This) will be interesting to track over time. When you look at the ‘not at all knowledgeable’ response of those 35 and younger, 35 percent said ‘not at all.’" Of those 65 and older, only 13.3 percent said they were not at all knowledgeable, he noted.

Sharp said that when respondents were asked about their levels of concern about 12 items, ranging from obesity to pollution of water to a terrorist attack on the food supply, in general, the level of concern was higher for most items on the list. "I was struck by the substantial increase (in concern) about large scale livestock, global warming, mad cow disease." He said concern about farmland preservation grew from 55 percent being very concerned to 70 percent very concerned. "That concern grew more than any other. Issues fade, but none of these issues have gone away," he said.

Concern over treatment of animals continues to grow, but in the list of 12 items of concern, it ranked last. This year’s survey indicated the No.1 concern is over energy prices, especially among rural Ohio residents and those with lower incomes.

The survey shows strong correlation between support for agriculture and whether the respondent has attended a county fair, purchased locally grown foods or visited farmers’ markets. "Getting people out in the rural countryside, even a recreational drive, can influence their views of ag," Sharp said. He also noted frequency of conversations with farmers tend to influence their view of farming, although just having the conversation might not change their view of what agriculture should look like and what development is appropriate.

Sharp said this data supports OFBF’s mission of forming partnerships between farmers and consumers. "Our data suggests this is a good strategy," he said.

Petzel said through looking at many surveys, "We’ve found that the concept of buying local is growing increasingly popular among consumers. This helps us continue to develop our buying local directory at OurOhio.org and publicize buying local opportunities. OFBF is running an ad campaign this summer called ‘Choose the Food Less Traveled’. Survey data shows this is correct; we’re not guessing anymore," she said.

Sharp will be presenting his results during the OFBF Leadership Conference on Aug. 23. He also is going to share his results with OSU Extension and other agriculture organizations to help them understand the public’s views. Petzel said OFBF’s participation in the 2004 survey "did influence our communication plans regarding the public’s perception of agriculture."

By continuing to survey, Farm Bureau can measure changes in perceptions and trends in attitudes on these issues. "The bottom line is we can follow ‘gut feelings’ and speculate about public opinion about agriculture, but until we verify through formal research and monitor over time, we’re not dealing in facts," Petzel said.

• 55 percent of respondents said they are somewhat knowledgeable about how or where food is grown.

• Even though 88 percent agree or strongly agree that farming positively contributes to the quality of life in Ohio, that is down 2 percent from 2004 and 4 percent from 2002.

• 84 percent of respondents agree or strongly agree that Ohio’s economy will suffer if the state continues to lose farmers.

• 72 percent agree or strongly agree with the statement: "Even though farmers are a small proportion of Ohio’s population, many jobs in the state are dependent on a successful farming sector."

• 63 percent say they trust farmers to protect the environment. This is down from 67 percent in 2004.

• 44 percent think food isn’t as safe as it was 10 years ago, but this is a 3 percent improvement from the last survey.

• 51 percent of respondents agree that generally speaking, increased regulation of the treatment of animals in farming is needed. Concern about large livestock operations is increasing in every area of the state, and people over the age of 60 are the most concerned.

• 87 percent think more should be done to develop alternative fuels, such as ethanol or biodiesel derived from Ohio crops.