Southeastern residents are pushing for much stronger protections against agricultural diseases as worries mount over potential disruptions to the food supply, according to new data from University of Florida researchers.
The findings come from an August 2025 public interest survey conducted by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). Researchers gathered responses from 1,035 residents across 12 states: Florida, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
According to the data, 63 percent of respondents are concerned about pests and diseases, 62 percent worry about diseases spread by animals, and 50 percent fear disruptions to the food chain. The survey also revealed that 83 percent of participants support regulations designed to curb the spread of agricultural diseases, with strong majorities backing increased government action and protections, particularly regarding illnesses that can jump 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, an 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, who also serves as the associate director of strategic communications for the Southeastern Coastal Center for Agricultural Health and Safety (SCCAHS), noted that agriculture is increasingly viewed as an issue of broad economic and community resilience rather than just farming alone.
The survey highlighted a distinct disconnect in public perception: while support for stronger agricultural protections is high, trust in government agencies to handle these crises effectively remains low. Researchers stated that this gap points to a critical need for practical, community-level strategies to handle agricultural threats and improve public awareness.
In states like Florida, where hurricanes, rising operational costs, and ongoing recovery efforts continuously strain the agricultural sector, researchers suggest that local networks—specifically state Extension agents—are vital. These agents can translate complex scientific research into everyday, practical solutions for local farmers.
“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.”
To build on these insights, a secondary survey is now being distributed to Extension agents throughout Florida to gather firsthand feedback from professionals working directly within these communities. The combined data from both surveys will be used to shape future educational programs and improve the state’s response to biosecurity, public health risks, and agricultural resilience.
“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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