"How to Talk to a Farmer" 101

Reading your blog is exactly like talking to you in person... was the comment from good friends, Eric & Karen, of whom I dined with the other night. Both were raised on farms, and although no longer are involved in the farming industry, they still like to stay connected via my  blog.  And they are not the only ones who want to stay connected with those of us who raise America's food.  So while I am working on my next blog, I wanted to share the following that I received as this is the exact reason why I take my passion for blogging and telling the Ag story, because I farm, you eat and want to know if what I grow is OKAY and SAFE.  (As always, thanks for stopping by & if you have questions/comments, I am only a click away at idahofarmwife@gmail.com )  All my best, Gayle

And so... I am happy to share the following:  

As much as we love food, less than 2 percent to the population is connected to the people who grow it. But, talking to your farmer is not as difficult as you think. Farmer marketing pioneer Michele Payn-Knoper offers five ways foodies can spend 15 minutes a week engaging with farmers.

HOW TO TALK TO A FARMER

Five Ways to Spend 15 Minutes a Week Engaging the People Who Grow Your Food

LEBANON, Ind. – March 14, 2013 – Do you know a farmer? If the answer’s no, you’re not alone. Research shows we’ve never been more disconnected from the people who grow our food. Less than 1.5% percent of the nation lives or works on a farm, with the majority several generations removed from first-hand farming experience. But, farmer marketing pioneer and author Michele Payn-Knoper suggests it’s easier than ever to connect with a farmer.

According to a recent survey by the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance, “three in five Americans would like to know more about how food is grown and raised, but don’t feel they have the time or money to prioritize,” said Payn-Knoper, author of the recently released book No More Food Fights! Growing a Productive Farm & Food Conversation. “But in reality, technology can help fill the chasm between farmer and foodie.”

As the growing season begins, Payn-Knoper offers five ways to spend 15 minutes a week on average engaging with farmers:

• Find them on Facebook. “Farmers are just as prolific online as the population in general, and many are active on Facebook. Like their pages, ask them questions and share your thoughts. They want to hear from you,” Payn-Knoper said.
• Read and comment on their blogs or websites. “Similarly, farmers have active websites or blogs they frequently update. Many offer opportunities for comments.”
• Twitter up. “Farmers also are on Twitter and frequently engage in tweet-ups with each other or consumers.” Twitter groups like @foodchat and @agchat facilitate the conversation.
• Plan a visit with three types of farms. “Farmers increasingly offer on-site tours. Check their websites and take every opportunity you can. But, mix it up. Visit a small farm, big farm, produce farm, dairy farm, or ranch.”
• Visit a farmers’ market during off-peak hours. “The proliferation of farmers’ markets makes it easier than ever to literally reach across the table to shake the hand that feeds us. But, plan your visit for either the beginning or end of the market – when farmers have the most time to talk one-on-one.”

No More Food Fights! is the first-ever book to speak to all sides of the food movement. One of North America’s leading farm and food advocates, she wrote the book after continuously witnessing the growing divide between farmers and eaters that she believes is causing confusion in the grocery aisles and placing the future of farming at risk.

No More Food Fights! is available in print for $16.47 at www.CauseMatters.com, Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and other fine bookstores. Digital versions are available for iPad, Kindle and Nook. Learn more at www.CauseMatters.com.