Laws designed to prohibit hidden-camera filming substantially reduce trust in agriculture by U.S. consumers.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia say the so-called “ag-gag” laws that criminalize secret recordings and obtaining employment under false pretenses is more likely to breed suspicion of farmers than to shield their public image.
The Capitol Press reports that among participants asked to read an explanation of such laws, the trust rating for farmers was about 20 percent lower than for a control group that read a generic description of hay.
Study author Jesse Robbins says “people are likely to be left with a bad taste in their mouths” when made aware of the laws.
The decline in trust was noted across multiple demographics, regardless of political ideology or area of residence.
Participants informed about the laws were also less comfortable with the current status of farm animal welfare and were more likely to support stricter regulations for animal agriculture.
