Checkoff-supported organizations provide resources farmers can use to educate on today's ag
ST. LOUIS (March 12, 2015) - With multiple farming-related topics top of mind for consumers right now, it's more important than ever for farmers to engage those food purchasers with the true story of today's agriculture. And there's no better time to do it than on National Ag Day, March 18.Farmers' freedom to operate depends in large part on consumers feeling good about the practices and technology being used to raise their food. The soy checkoff partners with multiple organizations and supports the development of resources that farmers can use to connect with consumers in meaningful ways.
"It's natural for consumers to have questions about where their food comes from and how farmers are producing it," says Nancy Kavazanjian, a soybean farmer from Wisconsin who serves as the United Soybean Board's Communications Target Area Coordinator as well as chairwoman of the U.S. Farmer and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA). "That provides farmers with an opportunity to share our stories in honest and simple ways and show that we share their values."
This Ag Day, farmers have their choice of plenty of resources to help them do that. The checkoff works with the Center for Food Integrity (CFI), CommonGround and USFRA, all of which support farmers as they answer consumers' questions, just in different ways:
· Consumer Research - CFI (www.foodintegrity.org/
· Resources for Moms - The women farmers of CommonGround (www.FindOurCommonGround.com,@CommonGroundNow) start conversations with moms looking for more information about what they feed their families. CommonGround develops resources, such as videos and infographics, that farmers can share to inform on topics like animal welfare, GMOs and issues related to local and organic production.
· Ag for Movie Night - The goal of USFRA (www.fooddialogues.com, @USFRA) is to bring the farmer and rancher voice to food and farming conversations with customers. USFRA produces the Food Dialogues, bringing together farmers, consumers, industry representatives and media to discuss the most pressing food topics. Additionally, USFRA supported production of the film, "FARMLAND," which is now available at Walmart, Netflix and many other outlets.
The 70 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.
For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
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