In a time when the average consumer is becoming more and more removed from the family farm misinformation is often times at its peak. Illinois commodity groups took the opportunity to address those misnomers consumers are receiving on Agriculture Day at the 2010 Illinois State Fair. Illinois Corn Marketing Board immediate past-chair Donna Jeschke mentioned two sources specifically that are feeding the masses with misinformation: The Omnivore’s Delimia and Food, Inc.
After a recent survey by a Milwaukee agency Morgan & Myers, one statistic stands out: Illinois residents believe, on average, that 54 percent of Illinois farm products come from “corporate farms,” versus 46 percent from family farming. When in actuality the most recent data released from USDA shows that 94-percent of farms are individual family farms and partnerships. Jeschke says it best, “Myths about food production are today’s urban legends, invading our classrooms and churches. It’s high-time we in agriculture step back and consider the non-farmer and why they’ve come to the conclusions they have.” Hear more from Donna Jeschke below.
Commodity groups are becoming more pro-active. They have launched a “new look” for the Illinois Farmer. In addition,producers are utilizing social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc) to attempt to reach more consumers with the real story of American agriculture.
Here is an example of the Corn Farmers Coalition’s new advertising campaign that can be seen in Washington, D.C. To view more of the ads click HERE.
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