US farm groups form alliance to counter bad publicity

Over 20 of the largest farm groups representing US farmers have banded together to counter poor publicity for the industry.

The groups have formed the US Farmers and Ranchers Alliance to enhance trust in the domestic food production system and counter scare stories.

The idea for the alliance developed because the farm groups feel that agriculture is under continual attack by a number of different groups.

It is a sentiment shared by many UK farmers who have often complained that the industry can fall victim to one-sided campaigns from single issue pressure groups.

“Unfortunately, as the majority of the US public has become further and further removed from the farm, they tend to believe the groups attacking agriculture,” it said.

The groups involved in the alliance cut across all sectors. They include the American Egg Board, American Sheep Industry, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and National Milk Producers Federation.

Goals include increasing consumer confidence, acting as a resource to food companies on the benefits of agricultural production and increasing the role of US farmer as the voice of animal and crop agriculture on local, state and national food issues.

“This is an exciting time for US agriculture,” said USFRA chairman Bob Stallman. “It represents the first time all of production agriculture has come together for a common purpose. It won’t be easy. Changing consumer perceptions is a big challenge. We plan to use our strategic vision to focus our energies.”

It is expected that the alliance will make full use social media such as Twitter and Facebook to help spread their messages.