Forcing the hand that feeds them

Rachel Gabel

A report released by a number of groups with anti-agriculture agendas gave "failing grades" to fast food restaurants that don't post a public statement opposing antibiotic use in livestock production. It named restaurants as the group most poised and able to influence production practices on farms and ranches, attempting to force the hands of those down the value chain. These reports, according to John Robinson, vice president, membership and communications, National Cattleman's Beef Association, are all aimed at achieving an agenda. "It's unfortunate that people's choices are being dictated or limited by activist group pressure," Robinson said. Food service and agriculture are closely related within the industry, each dependent upon the other to some extent. Robinson said answering consumers' questions and creating unity rather than division is agriculture's best course of action. "We can provide consumers with choices without attacking other production systems and methods because they're all valid and all of this food, this protein is necessary," he said. "We have a lack of protein in the world and there's a place for all of it — pork, poultry and beef." While activists make up a small percentage of consumers, their numbers, he said, are still greater by a large margin than the population of beef producers. Their passion for their stance can also sway those in food service or retail.,,MORE