Advocacy is a pressing issue for farmers in the 21st century.  Commodity groups, researchers and lawmakers will encourage farmers to tell their story before someone else, specifically those opposed to farming, shares it for them.  But, according to Stacey Cobb with the advocacy organization Eastern Washington Family Farmers, it’s not a lack of interests or willingness.  She said farmers do a great job sharing their story, when they have the time.

 

“Farmers these days are expected to be experts in farming, experts in technology, experts in chemical application, in soil management, in public relations and outreach, as well as politics and also lobbing for themselves.”

 

Cobb said that’s where EWFF comes in.

 

She said their staff is made up of former farmers, experts in agriculture, and those who understand the challenges farmers face in Olympia and D.C.  One of the hot buttoned topic EWFF is addressing now is efforts by the United Farmworkers union to move into Washington.  Cobb added social media has also made it more challenging for farmers in 2019.

 

Not only can issues go viral in a matter of hours, but facts are not needed on-line.

 

“Farmers are being attacked, you know, in town at the grocery store, they’re being attacked at the soccer game with their kids, anywhere they go in public but on top of that, on social media, on radio, on television.  So, they’re up against a lot right now.”

 

Cobb said farmers that have topics they would like to see addressed, or help telling their story, should visit their Website and contact the EWFF staff.

 

And don’t forget, if you have story or farm issue you’d like the Washington Ag Network to look into, click on the Contact Us Tab.

 

 

 

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com

More From PNW Ag Network