Agricultural News
Animal Agriculture Alliance Celebrates 30 Years of Bridging the Gap Between Farm and Fork
Tue, 07 Feb 2017 16:57:14 CST
The Animal Agriculture Alliance, an industry-united nonprofit organization working to bridge the communication gap between farm and fork, is proud to be celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2017. Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays caught up with AAA President and CEO Kay Johnson Smith during the recent National Cattlemen's Beef Association and Cattle Industry Convention to talk about the Alliance, its anniversary and how they are continuing to combat the agenda of today's animal rights activist groups.
"Thirty years, it's hard to believe. We've had a lot of accomplishments over the years to support all of animal agriculture," Johnson Smith said. "I have been here a long time and have seen a lot of changes over the years, and a lot of thing s have stayed the same. It's really more the tactics that have changed over the years."
The Alliance was launched in 1987 to serve as a unified voice on behalf of animal agriculture. Over the past three decades, the Alliance has helped the industry to anticipate and respond to campaigns from anti-animal agriculture groups across the U.S. and engage with a public that is increasingly disconnected from production agriculture. Many things have changed since the Alliance was founded - household adoption of the Internet and the emergence of social media for example - but the organization's passion and commitment to securing the future of animal agriculture remains steadfast.
Since the Alliance was founded-
· Its membership has grown from fewer than ten founding organizations to nearly 300 current members, sponsors and donors. Two members - the American Feed Industry Association and American Farm Bureau Federation - have been part of the Alliance for all 30 years!
· It went from not having a website to maintaining a presence on six social media platforms reaching over half a million people weekly.
· The annual Stakeholders Summit developed from a gathering of 100 industry professionals in 2002 to a can't-miss event in animal agriculture, attracting a record 250 attendees in 2016.
"The Alliance has grown not only in numbers of members and staff but also in its understanding of strategies used by activists and its own tactics to ensure agriculture's voice is a key part of the conversations," said Johnson Smith "We have become more adept at identifying threats, developing proactive responses and coordinating diverse interests to provide a strong, unified voice for agriculture."
The Alliance will be celebrating its diamond anniversary throughout the year. You can help commemorate the achievement by taking part in the following activities:
· Social media: On Instagram and Twitter, follow the hashtag #AllianceTurns30 for weekly looks at Alliance history - you are invited to share your own memories using the tag. Alliance members will also be taking over the organization's Snapchat account (username: animalag) and longtime members will be highlighted on social media throughout the year.
· Editorial content: The Alliance recently published a blog post chronicling its first three decades. Companies, organizations and media outlets are invited to use all or portions of the blog in any publications. Click here to view that blog post.
· Membership Drive: The Alliance is holding a membership drive during the month of March to bring on 30 new members in celebration of its 30th anniversary. Members who join as part of the 30 for 30th drive will receive recognition at the 2017 Stakeholders Summit, in addition to the benefits of Alliance membership. Membership begins at $500. Interested individuals and companies can learn more here.
· 2017 Summit: The milestone will be celebrated at the 2017 Stakeholders Summit, set for May 3-4, 2017 in Kansas City, Mo. The Alliance hopes to mark its 30th year by hosting the biggest and best Summit yet. Register today to be a part of the occasion - click here.
The Alliance hopes you will join in its 30th anniversary festivities and looks forward to the next three decades and beyond of serving animal agriculture.
The Alliance released a short video highlighting its accomplishments. Click here to watch.
Listen to Hays' interview with Kay Johnson Smith about the Alliance at 30 years, by clicking or tapping the LISTEN BAR below.
Source - Animal Agriculture Alliance
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI
Top Agricultural News
More Headlines...
