Consumers’ Research Launches Campaign to Highlight Threat of ESG on Agriculture

Consumers’ Research, a consumer advocacy nonprofit group, has launched a six-figure campaign to raise awareness about the threat posed by environment, social, and governance (ESG) on agriculture. This campaign aims to shed light on how ESG standards are impacting American farms and driving up food prices for consumers.

In a recent interview with Just the News, Will Hild, the executive director of Consumers’ Research, emphasized the importance of understanding the implications of ESG beyond just the fossil fuel industry. He highlighted how these standards are affecting every aspect of the food supply chain, from production to consumption.

The six-figure campaign includes television ads, billboards, a dedicated website, mobile billboards, and a digital campaign to reach a wide audience. The goal is to educate consumers about the potential consequences of ESG initiatives on agriculture and the economy.

Agriculture has become a prime target for climate activists and the ESG movement, with calls for a shift to more sustainable forms of production. However, critics argue that these initiatives could have unintended consequences, such as driving up costs for farmers and consumers.

The World Economic Forum released a report earlier this year highlighting the need for a sustainable transition in agriculture to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While the intentions behind these initiatives may be noble, the practical implications for farmers and ranchers are concerning.

Hild pointed out that ESG standards are now filtering down to family farms, with banks starting to impose net-zero emissions requirements on loan portfolios. This could mean that farmers will have to meet emission reduction targets to access essential financial services, putting additional pressure on an already struggling industry.

The Buckeye Institute released a report estimating that compliance with net-zero emissions policies and ESG reporting requirements could increase costs for American farms by at least 34%. This could result in significant price hikes for consumers, affecting their grocery bills and overall cost of living.

The campaign also features testimonials from farmers like Stephanie Nash, who have experienced firsthand the challenges posed by ESG measures. Nash highlighted the disappearing dairy farms across the U.S. due to high operating costs and regulatory burdens.

Overall, the Consumers’ Research campaign aims to spark a conversation about the impact of ESG on agriculture and the need for a balanced approach that considers the realities of farming. By raising awareness about these issues, the campaign hopes to empower consumers to make informed choices and advocate for policies that support sustainable and affordable food production.