TRUST A sk some consumers today about how they want their food produced, and their answers might describe the American farm of 100 years ago. Farming has certainly changed, but consumer impressions haven’t kept pace, IN PRODUCTION AGRICULTURE By Joel Schettler says Charlie Arnot, CEO of The Center for Food Integrity, an organization that works to build trust in today’s food system. “People like farmers,” he says, “but they aren’t really sure they like modern farming.” Farm and ranch families comprise just 2 percent of the U.S. population, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. With that lack of direct connection to rural America — coupled with often-erroneous food marketing information — it’s no wonder there’s public confusion about production agriculture. Now, more than ever, farmers need advocates to help tell their story, which is one about transparency, collaboration and embracing change at an accelerating pace. > Your CHS Connection 7