PUBLIC RELATIONS

    With the continuing escalation of problems arising from urban development encroaching on farmland, we urge the media to promote public relations between farmers and non-farmers. We encourage the local press to devote more space to agriculture and the total program of education in each county. As part of this program we suggest a campaign such as a speakers’ bureau to educate the general public about the importance of a sound agricultural economy. '01

    All students should be taught how American agriculture, through research and private enterprise, affects the diet of every American and many people around the world. ’07

    The public needs to be made aware of the importance of the preservation of agricultural land for a totally healthy environment. We encourage more farm city festivals, including farm tours and educational displays, so the general public can have a better understanding of how food is produced. ’07

    We will continue to publicize misconceptions concerning agriculture and bring out the facts through the media.

    We urge the media to be unbiased and accurate in its reporting on food safety issues. We propose that any media and/or any organization responsible for distributing accusations of health risk not based on credible scientific data be held liable for losses to producers, processors and subsequent retailers.

    Agriculture needs to let the public know that the food we produce is the safest and most wholesome in the world. Therefore, we urge the Maryland Cooperative Extension Service, Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station, The Maryland Department of Agriculture and the USDA to stand up for agriculture and develop a positive program in conjunction with the news media. '96