Home Background Testimonials Student Programs Adult Programs Video Clips Recent Clients In The News On The Farm Contact Information	Why Farmers Must Advocate for Agriculture FOCUS ON AGRICULTURE For the week of:  April 5, 2004 American Farm Bureau Federation By Matt Lohr Like many segments of society, farmers and ranchers are concerned and dismayed with how the news media portrays them.  And who could blame them? Instead of reporting how it is possible for fewer than two percent of our citizens to feed the other 98 percent, and millions more overseas, the media tends to concentrate on sensational, but negative, stories about agriculture that are, at best, inaccurate. As a farmer, I know that kind of reporting paints a distorted portrait. At best, it leads to a collective apathy about what should be viewed as a modern miracle. I also believe, however, that my fellow citizens, if exposed to the facts, would agree that farmers are the backbone that keeps our nation strong. Fifty years ago, almost all Americans had a tie to farming.  If a person didn't live on a farm, chances are he lived near one or had a relative who made a living off the land. More people were exposed to agriculture everyday, and had a basic understanding of how the industry worked.  Today, we must consciously step forward to tell our stories as “advocates for agriculture. Over the past year, I was part of the inaugural Partners in Agricultural Leadership (PAL) class. Nine individuals and I were selected to participate in this exciting program. The American Farm Bureau Federation and the Altria Family of Companies developed a rigorous curriculum designed to give us hands-on training in telling agriculture's story.  Boot-camp-like training was offered in areas such as media relations, speech writing, legislative affairs, forming partnerships, and becoming stronger leaders in our states and communities.  Having just graduated, I can attest that PAL provided us a unique opportunity to grow and develop the tools we need to more effectively reach out to our urban neighbors to set the record straight. PAL is just one example of a new way to spread agriculture's positive message. But, to really do the job effectively, everyone must become even more involved.  Some steps may require a huge commitment, like running for political office.  Right now in Virginia, not one of our 140 state legislative delegates and senators claim farming as their profession. Other actions require less time, but that does not diminish the need to make a personal commitment to get involved and make a difference. I am proud to be a farmer. Our family farm began more than 100 years ago with my great grandfather, and I am blessed to carry on the tradition of living off the land. At age 32, I am excited about the future of our industry.  There is no greater responsibility than producing the food, fiber and fuel that sustains our society. While farming is often a perilous business, some think it is more risky to speak out. I believe exactly the opposite is true. Silence is no longer a risk we can afford to take. Matt Lohr, a graduate of the inaugural PAL class a fifth generation farmer in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley Focus is posted to AFBF's web site at www.fb.org/views/focus/index.html