What You Can Do to Help a Farmer

I've been thinking lately about what the average non-farmer can do to positively influence the agriculture industry.

We all want agriculture to be a force for good in the world.  We want farmers to heal the planet, have financial and economic stability, and produce highly nutritious food.  And why not?  Those are fantastic goals!

But what can the average non-farmer do to help farmers along as they pursue those goals?

Honestly, I’m not totally sure.  But I have a few ideas.


1) Make sure your local farmers know that you are in their corner.  

Some farmers produce food for local markets and some produce food for export.  We all need to know that our community supports our efforts.  For our mental health, we need to not feel like the perpetual bad guy.  So, if you see a problem, or don't understand something, instead of getting angry and attacking the farmer, ask questions and do what you can to learn about the situation.  When we feel that consumers trust us, we can focus on doing what we know is right, rather than either defending ourselves or giving in to practices we know aren’t best.

Working with cattle is dangerous enough. 
Farmers don't want to be under attack from consumers, too.

2) Lobby the government.  

When you hear that the provincial or federal government is passing laws or making trade deals that are bad news for farmers, let your representatives know that our farmers need government to stand by them now, rather than to give them subsidies later.  And remember, Canada's dairy quota system isn't a government subsidy.  Our dairy farmers have taken a governmental beating in the last few years, so let's support them and their brilliant system that keeps them off welfare.
Lobbying doesn't have to be complicated.  Just send a letter or email to your local representative whenever you see the need.

3) Buy what you want, but don't force your purchasing habits on others.  

For example, if you want to keep buying organic, that’s okay.  Organic isn’t necessarily the best option all the time, but the demand for it does force us to seek out production methods that we might not otherwise consider.  Or if you want to buy food straight from a farmer you trust, there are ways to do that, whether it’s at farmer’s markets or on-farm stores, or even just by contacting the farmer.  There are a number of farmers who enjoy these types of direct sales and this can be another thing that draws farmers to look at their practices in a different way.  Just remember: we all have free choice and live in a free market society.  Don't make one sector the villain just because of your personal beliefs.  That doesn't help anyone, especially the farmers (refer to point 1).

4) Choose a strategic career or area of study.  

Something young people can do to support farmers is to study agriculture, soil science, plant biology, ecology, environmental conservation, or other related disciplines in college and university.  They can be the people that do the research to encourage farmers to move away from destructive practices.  I heard from a few different scientists at a conference I recently attended and the information from them is always invaluable.

5) Pray for farmers.  

Ask the Lord to grant us wisdom, strength, and courage as we try new things and as we face ridicule and discouragement from others in our attempts to find ways to produce food, sustain our families economically, and heal the land.

Do you have any other ideas?  Let me know in the comments section!