The Managing Director of Canadian Food Focus says when consumers understand the issues facing food producers, they'll be better equipped to weigh in on policies that directly influence food production. An article circulated through canadianfoodfocus.org looks at "What it Means to Be a Family Farm in Canada."
Dorothy Long, the Managing Director of Canadian Food Focus, says for many consumers their main connection with the farm is through short posts or videos distributed through social media where the visuals are very powerful, but with limited explanation.
Quote-Dorothy Long-Canadian Food Focus:
Not many people in Canada have a direct connection to a farm or to a farmer to be able to answer these questions so it's important to provide that information where they go to find information like social media or searching the websites.
If people base their views mainly on unclear or emotionally charged terms or even misinformation, they are going to not understand the real issues and be worried about things that are not grounded in evidence.
I think that's important to farmers because, when consumers better understand farming, it helps people weigh that information and make good decisions not only for themselves but also for farmers.
Consumer perceptions really affect policies, innovation and the ability to use new technologies that can improve productivity and help the environment.That's important for all of us. Having clear communications and providing that information is very important.
Long suggests agriculture needs to continue to tell its story, to be transparent and to answer consumers' questions. To access the article, search "What It Means to Be a Family Farm in Canada" at canadianfoodfocus.org.
Source : Farmscape.ca