The U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance has released its first-ever Agriculture in America Sustainability Report. Paul Spooner, Senior manager of affiliate relations and ag communications says it demonstrates what farmers are doing to be better stewards of the environment, while efficiently and effectively producing food. This is especially important as they dialogue with food companies.

Spooner says many companies are requiring sustainable practices from the farmers they source from, but don’t include them in the decision.

He says the report illustrates for consumers and food companies the strides farmers have already made in lowering their carbon footprint and how various commodities are defining sustainability.

Spooner says the research findings conclude that consumers struggle to define sustainability. Moreover, the topic is best understood by consumers when farmers explain the tangible ways they are improving the water, soil, air and habitat on and around their farms.