Moms Ask Farmers about Organic, Biotech and Farming

When searching online for information about food, farmers and farming, a consumer can quickly find many contradictory and negative messages about farming. Valerie Johnson, mom of three from Elgin, Ill., was confused by the research she had done, but set out for the spring Field Moms farm tour with Illinois Farm Families last weekend to learn more. She met soybean and corn farmers Paul and Donna Jeschke who talked with the urban and suburban moms about their questions and explained what happens on the farm. 

In her post-tour blog post Valerie writes, “I learned that the same people who I thought a few hours before were out to get our family and myself, are really people like you and I who are trying to make the best use of our country’s land using science and technology. Although, I still don’t believe that GMOs are completely safe for us, I now do understand why farmers choose GMO seed over non-GMO seed. I also understand more about pesticides, crop nutrients and organic foods.” See more from the Field Moms on www.WatchUsGrow.org.
Illinois Farm Families is a coalition supported by the Illinois Corn Marketing Board, Illinois Beef Association, Illinois Pork Producers Association, Illinois Soybean Association, and Illinois Farm Bureau. The coalition is hoping to train more people in a communications model that is designed to support conversations between farmers and consumers. To learn more about Illinois Farm Families activities and how you can be involved, visit their website at www.WatchUsGrow.org.