Each year, the Ministry of Agriculture conducts polling to gain insight into the public’s perception of the agri-food industry. In May, 801 Saskatchewan residents completed the 2025 Public Trust Survey, answering 11 questions to gauge their perception of agriculture in the province.
The survey results showed that Saskatchewan residents continue to have high trust in the industry with 89 per cent of Saskatchewan residents responding that they have a positive perception of agriculture. This is a five per cent increase compared to 2024. Since the start of the Public Trust Survey in 2013, positive public perception of agriculture remains high with a 13-year average of 87.54 per cent.
2025 Public Trust Survey Results:
The survey results showed strong public confidence (77 per cent) in Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers as being good stewards of the land and sustaining the environment for future generations. The survey further elaborated that 70 per cent of the respondents support the use of crop protection products such as herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides.
For the last several years, Saskatchewan residents have indicated less trust in the effectiveness of government regulations and transparency of industry practices; however, the 2025 survey results indicated a significantly greater positive perception of these indicators, which is encouraging. The results suggest the industry’s continued efforts in better informing consumers about Saskatchewan's robust regulatory framework and sharing their stories with the public are helping to build public confidence.
When those who were not confident about agriculture regulations were asked how agriculture regulations could better protect the interests of the public, responses varied from improving sustainability and chemical usage to concerns around food affordability and stakeholder consultations. The majority of responses centred on environmental protection, specifically regarding water, and transparency of information. Respondents were interested in learning more about agriculture regulations and making the information about them more accessible.
Demographic analysis showed that males and residents of the southern region of the province are more likely to agree to over half of the questions that were asked. Conversely, females, people aged 18-34 and those living in the Saskatoon region are more likely to be unsure to over 70 per cent of the questions.
Read the full 2025 Public Trust Survey Report