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84% of adults surveyed by American Farm Bureau Federation say they trust U.S. farmers.

June 19, 2020

2 Min Read
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A new American Farm Bureau Federation poll shows 84% of Americans trust the nation’s farmers and the same overwhelming majority support government assistance for farmers because of the pandemic.

“Shortages at grocery stores and other food supply chain shockwaves caused by the pandemic gave many people a new understanding of the crucial role of America’s farmers and ranchers and the importance of their survival through the COVID-19 economic storm," said American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall. "It is so heartening to know that through it all, the American people’s trust in farmers is unwavering.”

USDA estimates suggest the decline in commodity value for 2019, 2020 and 2021 production totals almost $50 billion. This does not include all of agriculture’s losses, which would be billions more.

When the pandemic prompted stay-at-home orders, the market for several crops disappeared almost overnight, causing prices paid to farmers to drop drastically. It came at a time when farmers were already facing economic challenges following two years of trade wars. Farm bankruptcies for the 12-month period ending March 2020 increased 23% from the previous year and are expected to climb higher as a result of the pandemic. Because the pandemic shockwaves continue to cause agricultural losses, the American Farm Bureau Federation is calling on lawmakers to address critical needs that still exist for farmers impacted by COVID-19.

Related:Farm groups want more COVID-19 aid

Other results from the survey:

  • 59% of adults think the federal government should classify U.S. agriculture as a matter of national security to ensure a stable food supply in the U.S.

  • 85% of adults think COVID-19 has impacted the food supply chain.

  • 76% of adults say COVID-19 has impacted farmers financially, including 53% who say it's impacted farmers a lot.

This poll was conducted between June 6-7, 2020 among a national sample of 2,200 adults. The interviews were conducted online and the data were weighted to approximate a target sample of adults based on gender, educational attainment, age, race/ethnicity, and region. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points.

Source: AFBF, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset. 

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