(NAFB) – American consumers feel agriculture can be part of the solution to climate change rather than the problem.

A new Cargill Feed4Thought Survey says those who indicated climate change is important to them also rate livestock and agriculture lowest in negative impact compared to the other industries regarded as significant contributors. Over one-third of the respondents expressed confidence in the industry’s ability to limit its contributions to climate change.

“Farmers are critical to feeding the world sustainably and responsibly,” says Ruth Kimmelshue, chief of Cargill’s animal nutrition and health business. “With a growing population and rising consumer interest in climate change, they are also part of the solution to address some of the toughest environmental challenges.”

Survey responses came from consumers in the U.S., France, South Korea, and Brazil. Participants say transportation and deforestation were ranked as the greatest contributors to climate change. Fifty-nine percent of respondents say that federal and national governments bear the highest responsibility for addressing climate change. Fifty-seven percent said companies involved in beef production, and 50 percent say cattle farmers are responsible for reducing the impact of livestock.

“Sustainability in our food systems starts with the dedication of farmers,” Cargill says in a news release.