Southeastern residents increasingly support stronger protections against agricultural disease threats as concerns grow over food-system disruptions, according to researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS).
Findings from an August 2025 public interest survey distributed to 1,035 residents from Florida, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia reflect growing public concern about how agricultural threats can affect food systems, public health and disaster preparedness.
The results also suggest agriculture is increasingly being viewed as an issue tied not only to farming, but to broader economic and community resilience.
Among the results, 63% of respondents expressed concern about pests and diseases, 62% about diseases spread by animals and 50% about disruptions to the food chain. The survey also found that 83% supported regulations aimed at reducing the spread of diseases. Strong majorities additionally supported increased protections and stronger government action, particularly efforts to prevent diseases that can spread from animals to humans.
“It’s really important to think about how closely agriculture is linked to our national security and our national resilience,” said Ashley McLeod-Morin, Extension scientist at the UF/IFAS Center for Public Issues Education (PIE) in Agriculture and Natural Resources. “It’s especially important when there are risks in the agricultural industry that can affect our health, our economy and our energy supplies.” McLeod-Morin also serves as the associate director of strategic communications for the Southeastern Coastal Center for Agricultural Health and Safety (SCCAHS).
The research is part of a broader collaboration between the UF/IFAS PIE Center and SCCAHS, a regional initiative focused on addressing agricultural health, safety and emerging disease threats. The partnership brings together communication expertise and public health research to better understand risks and improve preparedness across the Southeast.
The survey findings also revealed a broader challenge: while support for stronger protections remains high, trust in government to respond effectively remains low. Researchers say the gap highlights the need for practical, community-level approaches to addressing agricultural threats and improving public understanding.
In a state like Florida, where hurricanes, rising costs and ongoing recovery challenges continue to pressure food systems and agriculture, researchers say trusted local networks like state Extension agents may play an increasingly important role in preparedness and response efforts by translating research into practical solutions for farmers and communities.
“Local voices and trusted networks are critical, and Extension agents are well positioned to work within those relationships,” McLeod-Morin said. “People consistently have a high level of trust in farmers and producers, which is something Extension can actively leverage.”
Building on the public survey findings, a new survey will be distributed to Extension agents across Florida to gather input from those working directly with communities. Combined with the insights from the public survey results, this will help guide education efforts and strengthen the state’s response to biosecurity, agricultural resilience and public health risks.
“One of the most important things Extension agents can do is help communities understand how agricultural threats connect to issues people already care about, including public health and food systems,” McLeod-Morin said. “We encourage our Extension agents to take the new survey to better identify gaps in communication tools and program delivery related to biosecurity. The findings will help improve messaging and address misinformation and awareness gaps.”
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ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
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