The Center for Food Integrity

FAQ’s

What is The Center for Food Integrity? 

The Center for Food Integrity (CFI) is a not-for-profit organization based in Gladstone, Missouri, whose mission is to help today’s food system build consumer trust.

CFI does not lobby nor does it advocate on behalf of any brand, company or production method freeing it to provide credible, balanced information and to develop innovative strategies and share best practices that help the food system earn trust. Principles and practices that are ethically grounded, scientifically verified and economically viable help the entire food system improve and earn trust.

CFI provides leadership to foster support for the belief that producing healthy, affordable food using fewer resources through responsible production, processing and distribution is the ethical choice that is right for people, animals and the planet.

Why was CFI formed? 

The Center for Food Integrity was established in 2007 to help the food system build consumer trust, and to serve as a leading resource for credible, balanced information to support informed decision making.

In partnership with Iowa State University, CFI was the first to build a research-based consumer trust model. Our peer-reviewed and published model for building trust shows that confidence (shared values) is three-to-five times more important than competence (skills and technical expertise or science) in building consumer trust.

We go beyond the research to convene and empower food system stakeholders to apply the research to their practices in order to better align with consumer values and expectations.

What is the mission of The Center for Food Integrity? 

CFI’s mission is to help today’s food system build trust.

In three distinct ways, we empower those in the food system to meaningfully engage with their most important audiences on issues that matter.

  • We are a leading voice in a balanced public discussion about food and agriculture, serving also as a resource for media and online influencers.
  • We provide strategic direction and training to improve alignment between food system practices and consumer expectations.
  • We convene, empower and support our members in developing best practices that earn consumer trust.

Who are the members and project partners of CFI? 

Our more than members and project partners represent the diversity of today’s food system – from farmers, ranchers and food companies to universities, NGOs, restaurants, retailers and food processors.

Meet our Members

What programs does CFI offer? 

CFI offers opportunities for collaboration, education, strategy development and events – all of which stem from our peer-reviewed and published consumer trust model and annual consumer research focused on transparency and trust.
Programs include:

Illuminate™ Insights

Illuminate™ insights take us into the minds of consumers through a process of instant social science analysis. This analysis examines billions of online consumer interactions related to any trend, topic or product.

Coalition for Responsible Gene Editing in Agriculture

Gene editing promises tremendous benefits to society and agriculture.

The Coalition for Responsible Gene Editing in Agriculture recognizes a shared goal of building trust in gene editing that provides consumers safe, nutritious and affordable food produced in sustainable systems.

Optimizing Sustainability

The Optimizing Sustainability framework gives food system stakeholders tools and processes to evaluate the growing list of sustainability priorities to determine the impact of potential decisions.

Best Food Facts

Powered by nearly 200 credentialed, third-party, university-based experts, Best Food Facts provides credible, balanced answers to consumers’ questions about food.

Engage™

Capture the power of shared values in this one-day seminar that equips you with the tools to effectively engage with consumers and the media in person and online.

How can my organization become a member of CFI?

As a member of CFI, you join a growing group of food system leaders and interested stakeholders who envision a transparent, sustainable food system in which practices align with consumer expectations and the public conversation is well-informed and balanced. Complete this form and we will be
in touch.

Ready To Connect?

Share your contact information with our team to learn how CFI can help.