Source: Tom Johnston, MEATINGPLACE, 3/22/16

Controversial “ag-gag” laws erode consumers’ trust in farmers, according to a new study by University of British Columbia.
The study sought to expand on existing psychological research suggesting that laws seeking to criminalize hidden-camera investigations in agricultural facilities are counterproductive because reducing information flow often reduces feelings of trust.

Researchers at the University of British Columbia applied these findings to a real-world, timely example to determine if the perceived intention to obstruct access to information erodes feelings of trust. Accordingly, this study tested whether simply being made aware of ag-gag laws might have a negative impact on trust in farmers.

“We found that most people were unaware of ag-gag laws and that learning about them lead to a decrease in trust in farmers and an increase in support for animal welfare regulations. Interestingly, we also found evidence that awareness of ag-gag laws negatively impacted perceptions of the current status of farm animal welfare as well as the perception that farmers do a good job of protecting the environment. Through this topical example, this study demonstrates that even the intention to restrict access to information can undermine trust,” the researchers wrote.

Several U.S. states have passed ag-gag laws in recent years, but they face strong opposition in the courts. A federal court deemed Idaho’s law, for example, as unconstitutional because it suppresses free speech. 

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