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Public Attitudes About Agriculture In Colorado
3/22/2002
Ron F. Meyer
Area
Extension Agent (Agronomy)
Colorado State University
Extension
Golden Plains Area |
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Executive Summary
This document provides a summary of the
key findings of a study undertaken by the Colorado Department of Agriculture,
the Ag Insights advisory group, and Colorado State University’s College of
Natural Resources. The purpose of this study was to better understand how
Coloradans perceive agriculture in the state. This study replicated a study
conducted in 1996. This summary presents the 2001 and 1996 results, noting
similarities and differences.
Salient Findings
- Nearly all of those surveyed think agriculture is
important to the quality of life in Colorado, a similar percentage as in 1996,
with 80% feeling it was very important to the quality of life in
Colorado.
- Eight-five percent of those surveyed believe Colorado
agriculture provides food at a reasonable price, slightly down from 88% in
1996.
- In both 2001 and 1996, 85% of respondents felt it was
very important to maintain land and water in agricultural production.
- In 2001, more Coloradans favored financial incentives to
encourage land owners to maintain agricultural land and water in production
than in 1996 (50% vs. 46%). Fewer respondents in 2001 favored a regulatory
approach (30% vs. 38%).
- Eight-seven percent of respondents felt public funds
should be used to help farmers and ranchers improve wildlife habitat and
conserve water and soil resources.
- 2001 results showed an increase in respondents who felt
agriculture in Colorado was almost always responsible in protecting the
environment (22% vs. 16%). However, there was a 6% decrease in those who felt
agriculture in Colorado was usually responsible in protecting the
environment.
- While the percentage of those who felt the use of
agriculture chemicals is almost always necessary to produce enough food
increased from 9% in 1996 to 20% in 2001, there was a decrease in those who
felt it was usually or sometimes necessary.
- There was a 7% increase from 1996 to 2001 of those that
agreed that ranchers with permits to graze on public land treat the land
appropriately.
- Agriculture was seen as the top water priority in a dry
year, with in-stream flow levels second.
- Eighty-six percent of respondents felt the food produced
in Colorado was almost always safe (60%) or usually safe (26%).
- Respondents were split with regards to how safe
genetically engineered food is to eat, with 17% indicating it is almost always
safe to eat and 18% indicating it is almost never safe to eat.
- Ninety-two percent of respondents indicated they would
definitely (64%) or probably (28%) purchase Colorado grown and produced
products if available and identified as being from Colorado.
Source: Dr. George N.
Wallace
Colorado State University |
Page Created and Maintained by: Perry D. Brewer, Area
Extension Agent (Technology Education/Youth)
1/16/2003 |
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Colorado
State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Kit Carson, Phillips,
Washington and Yuma counties cooperating. Extension programs are
available to all without discrimination. Where trade names are used, no
discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Colorado State University
Extension is implied. |
