Ask any marriage counselor: a relationship without trust isn’t much of a relationship at all. According to the latest research from The Center for Food Integrity (CFI), consumers and federal government food agencies are headed for the therapist’s couch.
Our latest research shows that while federal regulatory agencies like USDA, FDA and EPA are held responsible for ensuring the health and safety of food, they’re not trusted to get the job done.
Trust vs. Responsibility
Specifically, federal regulatory agencies are held most responsible for ensuring safe food. However, when it comes to trust, they rank eighth on a list of 11 choices. (Rankings for responsibility and trust “to ensure healthy food” were similar.)
If you’re held responsible and trusted, like farmers who rank third on both counts, you’re seen as a credible source. However, if you’re held responsible but not trusted, that’s a problem.
The potential fallout is serious and we’re already witnessing consequences in the food system as public skepticism about food production and processing grows.
The mistrust is evident in CFI’s Street Talk series when consumers were asked, “Do you trust the federal government agencies charged with keeping our food safe?” Among the responses:
“It’s a mixed bag. Some of them are trying to do the right thing and some are just trying to keep their jobs.”
“They’re politically driven to meet the needs of large corporations.”
“I don’t think anyone is out there for the best interest of the consumer.”
A lack of trust can result in increased pressure for additional oversight and regulations, rejection of products or information, and consumers seeking alternate, and perhaps unreliable, information sources.
Values Void
So, why the disconnect? The reasons vary, but one source of skepticism is a lack of communication in a way that truly resonates.
Consider government websites – which are the only point of connection for many consumers.
Some sites are directed solely to regulated entities with no attempt to engage the broader public; some convey volumes of scientific information using jargon that’s difficult to understand; and some require visitors to jump through multiple hoops just to submit a question.
There’s a common misperception in government that communications must be sterile – void of values – to maintain objectivity. In reality, the two are not mutually exclusive and this misperception is partly to blame for the disconnect with consumers.
So, what will it take to bring consumers and government agencies closer?
Commit to a New Approach
Engage with the public in a relatable manner about topics that matter most to them.
Convey confidence in the system of oversight that ensures we have the safest food supply in the world, welcome questions and provide timely responses, and acknowledge underlying values related to food safety, animal care and environmental stewardship.
Certainly, the dedicated individuals who work for agencies like USDA, FDA and EPA are committed to these values and more – that’s what drives them. But often values aren’t communicated.
CFI research shows that to earn trust, the following steps go a long way:
Like any relationship, building trust with consumers requires a renewed, long-term commitment.
Demonstrating a commitment to meeting their expectations when it comes to safe food, healthy plants and animals, and a healthy planet is central to success. I encourage agencies to rise to the challenge.
Learn more about CFI’s research, “A Dangerous Disconnect: CFI Research IDs Food and Ag Trust Gaps,” at www.foodintegrity.org.
About the Author: Terri Moore is the vice president for CFI.
About CFI: The Center for Food Integrity is a not-for-profit organization that helps today’s food system earn consumer trust. Our members and project partners, who represent the diversity of the food system, are committed to providing accurate information and working together to address important issues in food and agriculture. The Center does not lobby or advocate for individual companies or brands. For more information visit www.foodintegrity.org.