Growing consumer interest in animal welfare and dairies’ carbon footprint – fueled by well-funded activist groups -- means dairy producers must work to promote and protect their industry’s image, the panel said during today’s major session, “Assuring Dairy’s Viability in a Changing World.”
“Consumers don’t understand the great improvements agriculture has made, which creates opportunity for activists and detractors,” said panel member Charlie Arnot, CEO with the Center for Food Integrity.
“Activist groups are perceived to be driven by a commitment to principles, not self interest, which gives them credibility,” Arnot said. “The dairy industry is not perceived that way, which puts us at a disadvantage.”
To maintain what Arnot calls “social license” and freedom to operate, the dairy industry must articulate its commitment to doing what’s right. It can build long-term consumer trust and confidence by balancing scientific verification of its practices, economic viability and ongoing communication with the public that shows the industry understands consumers’ values.
“Failure to do so will result in the revocation of our social license and freedom to operate,” said Arnot.
Panel members Dr. Jan Shearer of the University of
Other panel members included:
· Stan Erwine, Dairy Management Inc.
· Rick Naczi, Dairy Management
· Jorge Estrada, Leadership Coaching International
The three-day conference, which ends tomorrow, has drawn more than 1,400 dairy producers, researchers and industry representatives from across the nation.
Catherine Merlo is Western editor for Dairy Today. You can reach her at cmerlo@farmjournal.com.
