The public perception of Big Ag, or agribusiness, has taken some hits in recent years. Animal rights groups, organic food advocates, and small farm producers—to name a few—have voiced scathing criticisms of the massive industry.
That disrepute now has political ramifications, with NPR reporting that Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has warned agribusiness groups that Congress could alter federal subsidy rules next year when it takes up the farm bill.
"You're going to have folks from cities making decisions about the farm bill," Vilsack said. "You'd better talk to them."
That's why Big Ag, as represented by some of the major agricultural companies, are making a concerted push to revamp their evildoer image.
In a new video campaign (see one of the videos after the jump), agribusiness groups are grinding the gears of public perception to shed a more favorable light on their industry.
But some farmers are saying that making a living by raising food doesn't need a new reputation. Agribusiness does.
"Hey, the farmer and rancher don't have an image problem," Cattleman Fred Stokes told NPR, adding that seeing the groups united for this PR blitz is "a little like seeing a gathering of mafia dons, smoking their long green cigars, putting out the cover story that they are gathering to build a convent."
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