AFBF
Launches Conversations on Animal Care Initiative
WASHINGTON D.C., July 23, 2008
— To address consumer concerns about the care provided to farm animals in
the production of meat, milk and eggs, the American Farm Bureau
Federation has launched the Conversations on Animal Care initiative.
Conversations
on Animal Care is a comprehensive effort
that supports farmers and ranchers who are eager to engage consumers in a
positive dialogue about animal care. The initiative also helps livestock
producers share positive and personal insights on the care they provide farm
animals.
The initiative puts the faces
of farmers and ranchers on our nation’s livestock care issues as they
demonstrate that the animals they care for produce safe, healthy food for
Americans, according to AFBF Public Relations Director Don Lipton.
In a national survey conducted
online in January 2008 by Harris Interactive on behalf of AFBF, nearly 3,500
likely voters were asked if they agreed or disagreed with the following
statement: “Farmers and ranchers in your state treat their animals
humanely.”
A majority of voters, 57
percent, said they agreed or strongly agreed with the statement.
However, 34 percent of those surveyed responded “not sure.”
“While a majority of
consumers who participated in the research believe farmers are doing a good
job, one-third of those surveyed didn’t have enough information to even have
an opinion,” Lipton said.
Survey participants were then
exposed to a series of educational statements and messages about food-animal
production. At the conclusion of the survey, participants again were asked if
they agreed or disagreed that farmers and ranchers in their state treat
animals humanly. This time, 72 percent agreed or strongly agreed -- a jump of
15 points.
“This tells us that, when
presented with basic information about the practical and ethical standards
farmers and ranchers maintain, consumers respond positively,” Lipton said.
“The Conversations on Animal Care program is intended to give farmers
and ranchers the confidence and tools to do just that.”
A major component of the Conversations
on Animal Care initiative is a training program that teaches producers to
share their stories effectively, help them find an audience and amplify their
message of dedicated care of livestock. During two days of training,
participants hone skills in sharing their personal stories with local
audiences, the media and in one-on-one opportunities. They also learn of the
important role on-line tools play in communicating to consumers.
“This program helps farm
families like mine effectively tell the truth about how important animal
welfare is to us,” says Chris Chinn, a member of Farm Bureau in
Research continues to show that
farmers and ranchers, along with veterinarians are among the most credible
spokespeople on animal care issues.
Participating farmers and
ranchers represent a wide variety of animal agriculture segments including
equine, beef, dairy, poultry and pork. AFBF, working with professionals from
Osborn & Barr Communications, has trained teams of farmers and ranchers
from
Visit www.ConversationsonCare.com,
the Conversations on Animal Care Web site, to find out more information
and read spokesperson testimonials.