A recent survey by the Ohio
State University’s Department of Human and Community Resource Development and
the OSU Extension assessed a representative cross-section of the population’s
opinions regard the impact of agriculture on social issues.
The results indicate that a substantial majority of Ohioans recognize the
economic contribution of agriculture to Ohio’s economy and feel that farming
contributes positively to quality of life.
In addition, the survey evaluated perceptions of livestock farming,
including the respondent’s familiarity and level of concern with the livestock
issues in general as well as the threat of large facilities on water and stream
quality and animal welfare. Analyses
of the results indicate that concerns about livestock issues vary with region,
which may reflect local events that have received media attention.
In general, concerns are diminished where farmers and nonfarmers develop
networks that engender trust as well as for those with a family history of
farming. While animal welfare is a
concern, especially among women and those with less formal education, the
greatest concern noted by respondents is the potential of livestock production
to negatively impact the environment.
For more details, the survey
results are available by
Discussion:
Constance Jackson (Ohio Farm
Bureau) asked if studies conducted by the University of North Carolina and
University of Nebraska found similar trends and concerns.
Sharp noted that those studies focus on the attitude of the producer
rather than those outside the farming community.
Jackson asked if, in the OSU
study, the pro-agrarian view correlated with the age of the respondent.
Sharp responded that there was a correlation.
In general, those born before 1950 indicate a stronger overall support of
agriculture although there is concern about recent developments.
Younger respondent’s attitudes tend to be more volatile but that may
reflect the mobility of the age group.
Jackson asked if there is a
correlation between pro-agricultural views and parents versus grandparents
owning a farm. Sharp replied that
such a correlation was not analyzed.
Joe Beiler (OSU
Extension) questioned whether the study indicates that a moratorium on new
livestock facilities should be implemented as has been done in other states.
North Carolina recently extended its moratorium for hog lagoons another
four years. Sharp indicated that
based on the data he could not conclude whether the data supports or does not
support a moratorium. The data does indicate we need to be sensitive to
concerns and based on other agricultural research Sharp conducted, he suggested
that we need to be sensitive to the viability of Ohio agriculture and the
importance of livestock to Ohio's ag economy. Whether the ultimate outcome
should be a moratorium or not is something the data does not provide a
definitive answer to.
Sharp commented that while
Ohioans do recognize the economic benefit of agriculture to the state, there is
polarization on some issues that reflect a need within communities for a better
communications process.
A participant in Lima suggested
that this survey needed to be conducted 5-6 years ago.
Sharp noted that the study at that time may resulted in the development
of models for better conflict resolution which could have benefited those
planning expansions and new facilities. However,
as the level of awareness among the general public was not as high at that time,
responses may have been significantly different.
A participant in Columbus asked
what process of communication is needed. To
date, planning for an expansion or new facility has either been kept secret or
very open, but neither approach seems to have worked.
Sharp noted that there is no magic bullet and suggested that once
conflict erupts, a mediator is needed. Current
rules do not encourage communication or conflict resolution because farmers are
under no obligation to respond to concerns.
He suggested that a broader discussion of agriculture’s role and impact
on economic development needs to occur in communities with the local Chamber of
Commerce playing a key role.
Notes
by Mary Wicks