Big Ag: Myth vs. Fact
Farming Is One of the Most Misunderstood Parts of Our Food System
When people hear the term “Big Ag,” it often comes with strong assumptions: profit over people, lack of concern for animals or the environment, and minimal oversight. I actually believe that a lot of people don’t really know what farming actually involves and just how complex it really is.
I had the opportunity to visit a few farms thanks to my work over the past few years and I have been consistently blown away by WHO the farmers are and the passions they have for the work they do.
One of the quotes that stood out to me when I visited a farm recently in Florida was from a farmer who was raised in the industry and also had a degree in agriculture. He said “why would I do anything to jeopardize not only my livelihood but the food I also feed my family.”
Powerful to say the least.
I am so grateful to have the opportunity to partner with Growing a Healthier America again to share more information about this misunderstood topic.
Side note on their website I love what they stand for:
“In a world full of conflicting headlines and confusing claims, our goal is simple: cut through the clutter and offer balanced, trustworthy insights on the topics you’re hearing about every day.”
Back to farming.
These concerns don’t come out of nowhere. Our food system feels large, distant, and hard to understand, plus social media sensationalizes EVERYTHING which we know, and when trust is low, fear fills the gaps.
But the reality of modern farming and food production is more complex than the narrative we often see online.
Let’s take a facts > fear approach.
And let’s start with a little video.
I had the opportunity to interview a real farmer and ask some pressing questions.
His answers were so REAL. You can see and hear the emotion and the passion in every word he speaks when speaking about his farm and his animals and all they produce. In addition to the work that it takes to run a farm and provide a healthy and consistent product. It is incredible.
But don’t take my word for it, listen to the interview below:
What stood out to me most was when he said “I don’t know a single cattle rancher that would prioritize profits over their cattle.” They care deeply about their animals and the quality of their product and reputations.
You can learn more about Ryan Britt and his family and legacy and their farm on their website here.
The U.S. Food System Is Highly Regulated, it is in fact NOT the Wild West
One of the most common misconceptions is that farms and food companies operate without meaningful oversight.
In reality, food production in the United States is one of the most regulated systems in the country.
The FDA regulates about 77% of the U.S. food supply, overseeing hundreds of thousands of facilities across farms, processing plants, distributors, and retailers. The remaining portion, primarily meat, poultry, and certain egg products is regulated by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.
What this means in practice is simple but important:
billions of pounds of food are monitored by federal agencies before they ever reach consumers’ plates.
This oversight isn’t optional, and it isn’t occasional, it’s built into how food moves through the system every single day.
Now, could mistakes happen?
Of course. But they also happen in business settings, law firms, supermarket chains, schools, hospitals, you name it. Is it scarier when it has to do with our food YES, but having these regulations in place are important.
Beyond that, the farming industry is growing, changing and evolving. Like most industries, AI and technology are working hard to improve the processes and accuracies in addition to outcomes but what is different about farming is farmers and all involved can only control so much and rely HEAVILY on things like mother nature or weather and the health of their animals. Aka, this industry is so hard, yet these farmers work harder to keep us fed.
Food Safety:
Another common belief is that food safety depends largely on individual companies or farmers “doing the right thing.” While ethics and stewardship absolutely matter, safety does not rely on goodwill alone.
In the U.S., at least 30 federal laws administered by around 15 different agencies govern food safety and quality. These laws are designed specifically to prevent contamination, protect public health, and create accountability across the entire supply chain.
In other words, when rules exist, they exist because multiple layers of law and oversight are actively working every day, not because individual producers are left to decide standards for themselves.
NOW, it is also true that a lot of changes have been made with the current administration.
But, laws like the Food Safety Modernization Act remain the foundation of food safety policy, and core food safety laws and inspection requirements continue to apply to producers and processors at every level. Food safety in the U.S. remains structured, regulated, and multilayered and you can continue to ask questions when you have them, but remember when emotions are part of the response, take the response with a grain of salt.
Where Farmers Actually Fit Into the Picture
When we talk about “Big Ag,” it’s easy to lose sight of the people behind the label. Farms in the U.S. vary widely in size and structure, but regardless of scale, farmers operate within the same regulatory framework.
And wait, Big Ag shouldn’t be derogatory like it is implied. Agriculture IS A BUSINESS and without it we would be in trouble. Farmers work hard and work long hours and work everyday and do a lot to keep our food coming and safe, and they do deserve to be paid.
For many farmers, safety, environment and animal health are directly tied to their livelihoods, their land, and often their family’s future. Most are thinking not just about this season, but about what it takes to keep their farm viable for decades to come. And we all know mother nature is very unpredictable. I stress when I cannot control tiny details, imagine how they feel.
That doesn’t mean the system is without flaws. But, it does mean that the idea of an unregulated, profit-only food system misses a lot of important context.
Rebuilding Trust Starts With Transparency
People deserve to ask questions about how their food is produced. But there is a difference between asking questions and spreading misinformation, it just feels like I need to say that.
Rebuilding trust in the food system doesn’t happen through fear-based messaging or sweeping labels. It happens through transparency, education, and conversations with the people closest to the process, from farmers to scientists to regulators.
I hope you take the time to watch my chat with Ryan as it shares so much more than words can describe.
Understanding the rules that exist, the oversight in place, and the real people doing the work allows us to move beyond fear and toward informed decision-making. As always once you understand facts you can make decisions that are best for you but it must be from true facts.
The Bottom Line
Farming is complex.
Our food system is regulated, layered, and constantly monitored.
While no system is without flaws, the idea that food production operates without concern for safety or public health doesn’t reflect reality. AT ALL.
If we want a healthier, more trusted food system, the path forward isn’t screaming misinformation, it’s clearer facts, open dialogue, and a willingness to understand how food actually gets from farm to table.
Facts over fear. FOREVER.
Questions?!
Resources:
FDA Oversight of Food Safety and Foodborne Illness Outbreaks | Congress.gov
Food Safety: Status of Foodborne Illness in the U.S. | U.S. GAO