by Charlie Arnot
Most farmers I know didn't pursue their passion for raising food to hone their public relations skills.
In fact, by nature, most are quite humble,
hardworking and, no matter what size of farm or type of production,
spend their waking hours focused on producing safe, affordable food in a
way that preserves and improves the land that the vast majority of them
hope to pass on to their children.
Yet, in an environment where public
skepticism about food production has reached a fever pitch, particularly
when it comes to the acceptance of new on-farm technologies, the time
is right for more farmers and ranchers to get out of their comfort zones
and engage with the public. That includes engaging with those who
influence the laws and regulations that govern food production — and who
must understand the ramifications to a rapidly growing population and
our environment if ag innovation is stifled.
In fact, new U.S. trust research from The
Center for Food Integrity shows an overwhelming majority wants to hear
from the folks who produce their food. Eighty percent expressed a strong
desire to learn more about how food is produced and where it comes
from.
This high level of curiosity isn't
surprising, since most people don't recognize farming today. It's a
golden opportunity for everyone in agriculture to "get out" and have
meaningful conversations, sharing their values — in person and online —
regarding food production to help earn trust in biotechnology and a
multitude of other innovations that have allowed farmers to do more with
less.
Genetically modified and hybrid seeds,
minimum-tillage planting and other advances help crop farmers increase
yields while using less land, energy and irrigated water — reducing
greenhouse gas emissions and soil erosion. Improved genetics, nutrition,
housing and animal health products have resulted in more productive
livestock and healthier meat, milk and eggs. New gene editing technology
holds the potential to reduce suffering and improve productivity.
These are just a few examples of the vast
array of technological advancements that the food system has adopted
over the last several decades.
Arnot is the CEO of The Center for Food Integrity, a not-for-profit
organization that helps today's food system earn consumer trust.
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