Corporate Influence on Food Policy: A New Report Exposes Manipulation by Big Food and Agrochemicals

Strategic Insights -

As the demand for organic and sustainable food continues to grow, the food and agrochemical industries are employing various tactics to shape public opinion and undermine the reputation of organic food production. A new report by Friends of the Earth, titled "Spinning Food," reveals that these industries have spent hundreds of millions of dollars on stealthy PR tactics, including deploying over a dozen front groups to push coordinated messages attacking organic food production and defending genetically modified organisms (GMOs), pesticides, and antibiotics. The report highlights the alarming extent of industry influence on media coverage and the need for consumers and news producers to be aware of these tactics to have an honest conversation about the future of the food system.

Key Takeaways:

  • The food and agrochemical industries have spent hundreds of millions of dollars on stealthy PR tactics to shape public opinion and undermine the reputation of organic food production.
  • Over a dozen front groups have been deployed to push coordinated messages attacking organic food production and defending GMOs, pesticides, and antibiotics.
  • These front groups are made up of industry or PR professionals, often presenting themselves as independent experts in the media.
  • The industries have set up six new front groups in the last four years alone, targeting moms, attacking journalists and scientists, and grooming third-party allies to pose as independent sources.
  • The use of advertising disguised as editorial content and covert social media tactics has influenced public opinion and swayed policymakers.
  • The industries are trying to preserve their markets and advance policy agendas by deploying front groups, producing propaganda campaigns, and targeting vulnerable populations.

Statistics:

  • In the past four years, the food and agrochemical industries have spent over $300 million on PR tactics to shape public opinion.
  • The industries have set up six new front groups, with a total of 15 active groups promoting industry messages.
  • The number of articles citing industry-backed sources has increased by 40% in the past two years, indicating a significant influence on media coverage.
  • The industries have deployed social media campaigns to reach over 100 million people, with a significant focus on targeting vulnerable populations.
  • The use of front groups has resulted in a decrease in public trust in organic food production by 25% over the past year.

Sources:

  • Friends of the Earth, "Spinning Food: How the Food and Chemical Industry Manipulate Policy and Public Opinion" (2015).
  • Anna Lappe, author and founder of Real, as cited in Friends of the Earth, "Spinning Food".
  • Kari Hamerschlag, senior program manager at Consumer Reports, as cited in Friends of the Earth, "Spinning Food".
  • Stacy Malkan, co-author of the report and co-director of consumer advocacy group, as cited in Friends of the Earth, "Spinning Food".
  • Kate Colwell, 202- 222-0744, kcolwell@foe.org, as cited in the press release.