The average consumer today may be three to four generations re­­moved from the farm, but they are far from indifferent when it comes to knowing how their food gets to the table. People want the facts about their food — and being entrusted with those facts can help increase their trust in farmers, ranchers and other suppliers throughout the food chain.

A recent survey by the Center for Food Integrity uncovered this key to growing consumer trust in agriculture: transparency. Consumers are eager to learn more, straight from the farm, and the start of a new year is a great time to consider which of the top...