Agricultural News
Agriculture Community Calls for Transparency, Shares Ways to Strengthen Relationships With Consumers
Fri, 11 May 2012 12:40:05 CDT
Attendees were urged to open the barn doors and showcase the importance of modern food production at the Animal Agriculture Alliance's 2012 Stakeholders Summit, held May recently in Arlington, Virginia. The eleventh annual event brought together nearly 200 leaders across the food and farm sector to examine the theme: "Real Farmers Real Food: Celebrating Tradition and Technology".
Sixteen speakers helped attendees learn how to ensure authenticity while telling their unique agriculture story. Other recurring themes included the need to protect consumer choice and embrace ongoing consumer education efforts. Now in its eleventh year, the Summit is a unique learning and networking opportunity for leaders from across the food chain.
Author, film maker, and science advocate Shawn Lawrence Otto led a strategic discussion of tactics to better communicate science to decision makers, consumers, and the media. His core message? Food producers must get involved in the dialogue, demonstrate shared values with the public, and continue to make science-based business decisions. After his presentation, Otto signed copies of his book Fool Me Twice: Fighting the Assault on Science in America.
"We need ethical reflection, not extremism," Otto said, encouraging the agriculture community to adopt his tips to confront and debunk misinformation about food production.
Tom Steever, a reporter with Brownfield and president of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting, served as the event moderator. He echoed the call for transparency and encouraged attendees to proudly spotlight the important work that they do. Animal agriculture is critical part of our nation's economy, contributing $289 billion in economic activity in 2010.
Alliance President and CEO Kay Johnson Smith and Chairman Chris Ashworth later led an awards presentation during a special 25th Anniversary reception honoring the organization's founding and long-term supporters. Representatives from Wyoming's Casper College Ag Club, the top-scoring collegiate club in the Alliance's 2012 College Aggies Online competition, also received a scholarship award.
"As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we are thankful for the ongoing support of our members," Johnson Smith said. "Today, farmers and ranchers need a strong advocate to protect their ability to produce safe, nutritious food for the world. The Alliance provides that unified voice."
Podcasts and video from the conference are posted on the Alliance's website which you can find by clicking here.
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