Ag Month –– tell your story of agriculture to consumers

October has been declared agriculture month in Saskatchewan with this year’s celebration emphasizing our story of food. Everyone involved in agriculture is encouraged to share the story of food through friends, social media and blogs. The object of telling the story of food is to build a better understanding of how and where food comes from.

Several non-profit groups help to build public trust in agriculture. Agriculture More Than Ever features online blogs by agricultural producers from across Canada including information on issues from use of pesticides, genetically-modified organisms, ideas on how to treat controversial topics and links on social media like Instagram. Agriculture in the Classroom offers learning materials for elementary school children. This October features a kit showing what plants and animals make it to your lunch. Farm and Food Care Saskatchewan, a coalition from farmers to processors and food retailers, provides an online magazine style set of food and agriculture stories, news and coming events, and answers questions.

Shared stories about agriculture and food can be found online at ourfoodhasastory.ca

The need for more sharing of food stories arises if producers want to continue with commonly used technologies and practices.

A recent survey by the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity indicates a large portion of consumers have concerns with current farm practices.

The cross-Canada survey found 51 per cent worry about hormones in farm animals; 46 per cent are concerned about drug residues in meat products; 42 per cent are worried about genetically engineered crops; and 48 per cent have issues with pesticide use.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net