The Ohio Soybean Council and the soybean checkoff recently announced the launch of the Sustaining Life, Respecting Nature campaign to communicate with consumers about soybeans, Ohio agriculture and how farmers are working to provide safe, healthy food for everyone.
As part of the first stage of the Sustaining Life, Respecting Nature campaign, OSC has created a new website (www.ohiosoybeanfarmers.org), which features seven Ohio farmers talking about their family farms, farming practices and the food they produce.
Ohio Soybean Farmers Launch New Consumer Campaign
They also directly address many food and soybean-related topics that are on the minds of many consumers, including food safety, tillage decisions, environment and conservation, biotechnology and more. In addition, the website houses informational articles and educational resources for visitors and educators who would like to learn more and/or share it with others.
"This campaign is about creating open dialogue," says John Motter, OSC chairmain and soybean farmer form Hancock County. "There is a lot of information out there about farming and the American food system. We hope that the Sustaining Life, Respecting Nature campaign will give consumers the opportunity to hear directly from farmers. We want them to feel more informed as they make food decisions for their families and ultimately help them better understand what farmers are doing and why."
Creating this dialogue is the first step in bridging a gap that continues to widen.
"More people are getting farther and farther away from agriculture," says Steve Reinhard, OSC communications committee chair and soybean farmer from Crawford County. "We need to find ways to close the gap in terms of understanding what's going on in the world of farming and soybeans because it's a part of everyone's life."
Motter wants people to know that farmers' number one job is to produce safe, healthy food for everyone.
My family shops at the local grocery store just like millions of other families," says Motter. "Growing safe, healthy food and continually looking for ways to improve how we do things is the right thing, not just for my family, but families all over the world. I take great pride in that."
Be sure to visit the Sustaining Life, Respecting Nature website at www.ohiosoybeanfarmers.org to meet the featured Ohio farmers, find some delicious recipes and learn more about the Ohio soybean industry. Remember to check the website regularly as new content is added.