Files
Abstract
Animal agriculture is an important component of agriculture in Georgia. In 2000, poultry, livestock and aquaculture accounted for over half of farm gate value. Animal agriculture is an industry facing many challenges. Producers are witnessing an increasing number of contract arrangements (particularly in poultry), fluctuating prices and increasing input costs. Consumers are worried about food safety and effects on the environment. As farmers adjust their production practices to meet economic changes and consumers become more aware and active in the choice of their foods, these issues grow in importance. Policy makers are in need of information showing public opinion on these issues. In response to this need for information, researchers in the Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development at the University of Georgia crafted a survey. The telephone survey was conducted by the University’s Center for Survey Research in January and February of 2001. The randomly chosen survey group resulted in 395 fully usable responses. There were three main components to the survey. The first gathered basic demographic facts about the sample population. These results are available in the publication, “Summary Statistics of Sample Population From State of Georgia Survey on Agricultural Tourism and Animal Agriculture”. The second set of questions was designed to measure public interest in agricultural tourism and land-based recreational activities. The findings of that research can be found in “Summary Results of Georgia Citizens’ Attitudes Towards Agricultural Tourism and Land-Based Recreation Opportunities”. The third examined the importance and role of animal agriculture in Georgia. It further measured the public’s concerns and views on food safety, environmental issues, odor problems and ethical concerns. These results are presented in this paper.