Farms.com Home   News

Take Food Bullying By The Horns

Once again the agriculture sector is being encouraged to speak out against misinformation.
 
Michele Payn, a dairy producer from Indiana spoke about food bullying during the Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conference this week.
 
She compared the actions the agriculture industry is seeing to a playground in a school yard where the bullies run rampant and where there is constant poking, and prodding and people trying to evoke fear.
 
She says that's happening around food today, misinformation is continuing to grow, activists are continuing to grow, and people are ashamed around their food.
 
"When you think about what food bullying is, it basically operates from a point of privilege. People who may have too much time, too much money, want to build their followers. It preys on peoples fear, it preys on the misinformation, it preys on the confusion, it preys on the disconnect from what we do on a daily basis."
 
She says it's important for the agriculture industry to understand that food bullying removes choice not only at the plate, but also in farming, and it's important to engage and talk about what you do and why you do it.
 
Payn says sharing your story matters more today than it ever has, it matters because people need low-priced food and agriculture deserves to have the practices and products they need to do the best job possible.
 
"Navigating Uncertainty" was the theme for this year's Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conference.
 
Next year's event is set for January 18-20 at the Delta Inn in Regina.
Click here to see more...

Trending Video

Veteran Farmers: A Legacy of Service in Rural America

Video: Veteran Farmers: A Legacy of Service in Rural America

Veterans Day is a time to honor the men and women who have selflessly protected our freedoms and values. And for some, the transition from military service to civilian life brings them back to the farm.

At Farm Bureau, we believe it’s important to not only celebrate veterans but also those who continue to make a difference in agriculture and their community. We've partnered with Farm Credit to establish the Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence to shine a light on those who have continued to go above and beyond to serve their communities.

This year, we recognize retired Colonel Joe Ricker as the inaugural Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence winner. Joe served over 30 years in the Army before retiring from the Pentagon and completing tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Since leaving the Army, his commitment to excellence in farming and enriching the lives of veterans has blossomed in a myriad of ways in both his local community of Wilkinson, Indiana, and across the country. Joe grows apples and raises bees on his farm in Indiana. Joe founded “Veterans IN Farming,” an organization, now with more than 1,100 members, dedicated to providing veterans in Indiana with the tools and training to succeed in agriculture.

The American Farm Bureau Federation is an independent, non-governmental, voluntary organization, comprised of and directed by farm and ranch families who engage in all types of food, fuel and fiber production.