U.S. farmers rank as the most trusted members of the supply chain when it comes to ensuring its safety, taking the top spot in 78% of consumer responses, according to the results of a consumer survey released by the United Soybean Board.

“As the organization representing soy — the second largest crop grown on U.S. soil, one of the only widely available complete plant proteins and the most widely used edible oil in the country — we knew it was vital to understand the values of the very people who purchase the products our farmers grow,” said Mace Thornton, USB vice president of communications and marketing strategy. “The results not only reinforced the importance of current sustainability strategies our farmer-leaders put in place, but also revealed some key perceptions and desires among consumers that will help guide the way we communicate and engage on the benefits of sustainable U.S.-grown soy.”

Here are some takeaways from the survey:

The way in which food is grown also makes an impact on food-purchasing decisions. The conversation about soy sustainability is an area of opportunity, as consumers are less familiar with it but rank it high in importance. This makes it a key area for the checkoff to educate, with high potential for positive impacts on consumer perceptions.

“This data made clear just how essential it will be to increase awareness that U.S. soybeans are sustainably grown,” said David Iverson, USB Sustainability Target Area coordinator and soybean farmer from South Dakota. “We have successfully reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 38% per metric ton since 1980 but recognize that our contribution cannot stop there. We employ new production practices to continuously advance sustainability efforts, with a goal of growing 70% more food by 2050 to feed our rising population, expected to increase by 2 billion people over the next 30 years.”

Source: United Soybean Board, 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.