July 2012 - Iowa Pork Producers Association

Grocery, restaurant executives surveyed aboutanimal agriculture issuesResults of a recent survey of grocery and restaurantexecutives signals an opportunity for the supply chain toprovide retailers better support and alignment to addresschallenging issues in animal agriculture.Conducted by the Center for Food Integrity (CFI),the survey asked questions of QSR and procurementmanagers from 10 leading food industry retailers,including Walmart, McDonalds, Burger King, MarshSupermarkets, Bob Evans, Giant Eagle, Wakefern FoodCorp., Sodexo, Inc., Brinker International and HarrisTeeter.Using quantitative and qualitative methods, conductedboth by phone and online, the survey was intended toprovide feedback and stimulate discussion in an effort toimprove supply chain alignment on critical issues facinganimal agriculture.chain alignment and serve as a resource for retailerson challenging issues,” says Charlie Arnot, CEO of theCenter for Food Integrity. “Retailers can then serveas a direct point-of-contact, providing consumers theinformation they need to make informed choices.”Specifically regarding meat, milk and eggs, eachrespondent was asked for their thoughts regardingpractices “on farm” and “during processing” that resultin safe food; humane treatment of animals; sustainableprotection of natural resources; and the nutrition ofproducts. Further, the survey asked about their thoughtson the safety of food derived from animals treated withantibiotics; animals treated with hormones; and foodsusing biotechnology in their production.Responses to each of those questions showed a significantneed for additional, fact-based information about theseissues, created to support retailers and restaurateurs.“I see it in our stores. People are examining labels. I findmyself doing it too. Consumers want to know what’sin their food,” said one survey respondent, noting thatanimal agriculture can provide that support. “We needto help them with positive information on why they cantrust what they’re buying from us.”“This research illustrates a significant opportunityfor those in animal agriculture to provide greatercoordination and communication to help improve supplyJULY 201227