Thursday, April 03, 2014

Writer offers suggestions for rural groups and farmers to connect with people in urban areas

New York Times food columnist Mark Bittman will host an event at the Cooper Union in New York on Friday about the future of agriculture, focusing on the question of how that future should include farmers in deep rural America who produce dairy and grain. "An Upstate New York farmer and lawyer says it's time for small commodity farmers to start telling their own stories. Here's how to do it," Lorraine Lewandrowski reports for the Daily Yonder.

Commodity farmers do not usually gain attention in mainstream media unless a crisis happens, so sometimes they have to take public relations into their own hands, Lewandrowski writes. On Nov. 8, New York dairy farmers traveled around New York City offering free cheese samples, thanking police and nonprofit workers for their service and visiting retail stores. "The Cabot farmers cooperative did what has never been done: delivered a massive influx of actual dairy farmers into New York City."

Lewandrowski offers suggestions for promoting greater understanding among urban people of farmers and rural groups: Promote rural writers, journalists and photographers who may not otherwise be recognized by urban media, so rural stories can reach a broader audience. Find ways to speak in cities; "If you see an urban discussion on agriculture, do not be afraid to call and ask who from rural America is going to be on the panel." Don't speak negatively about other farmers who aren't there; focus on being a voice for all rural groups. It may also be advantageous to "form alliances with other rural-interested groups."

Also look for unique opportunities and spaces. Plenty of people in urban areas might be interested in what rural groups have to say; it is just a matter of finding out who they are and how to communicate with them. Emphasize what rural areas have to offer, focusing on both the beautiful landscapes and the environmental challenges we face.

If farmers want to talk with urban people about important issues and if they want fair prices and treatment for rural areas, they should speak up, Lewandrowski writes: "Craft your own images, rural America—or they will be crafted for you!" (Read more)

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