Crystal MacKay speaking at MB Ag Days.

 

Manitoba farmers have some work to do when it comes to improving the public's perception of agriculture.

Despite some improvement, Manitobans still have the most negative impression of agriculture in the country according to an Ipsos Reid survey commissioned by the Ontario Farm Animal Council and AGCare.

The study showed that Canadians' perception is improving. 57 percent of Canadians have a positive impression of agriculture, up 16 percent from when the study was first conducted in 2006.

However, Manitoba came in last.

"Of the whole country, Manitoba did have the least positive impression of agriculture. It was just by a bit, but enough that I'd say it's a caution light that you need to be having a conversation with the public about where their food comes from because their confidence is starting to slip a little," says Crystal MacKay, executive director of the Ontario Farm Animal Council.

The survey also showed that farmers have a high level of public credibility when it comes to issues such as animal welfare. Farmers were ranked second to veterinarians, with humane societies rounding out the top three groups.

MacKay says it's misleading for farmers to simply portray their operations as the picturesque "red barn" farmyard.

"Old MacDonald's kids have gone to ag college and now they're home running the operation. We have new technology so we can look after more acres and look after more animals but we're still the same people committed to caring for animals and the land and growing great food," she says.

Manitoba farmers no longer have a voice solely dedicated to public awareness of animal agriculture. The Manitoba Farm Animal Council was disbanded last summer after livestock producer groups decided to go their own ways. The responsibilities that were held by MFAC are now being carried out by the individual livestock organizations.

MacKay was a speaker at Manitoba Ag Days.

~ Tuesday, January 25, 2011 ~