If farmers don’t have a seat at the table, they may find themselves on the menu.
That’s according to Emily Ford, a senior agronomist with Quattro Farms/Ventures who has decades of experience in applied agricultural research, sustainable crop production and environmental compliance.
She says it’s important for agricultural producers to be at the table when policy is decided, not only nationally but also internationally.
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To that end, the southern Alberta agronomist recently returned from a trip to Costa Rica, where she was one of 13 farmers from 12 countries selected to join the Global Farmer Network, expanding the network’s global reach and diversity.
“Their mission is to amplify farmers’ voices and ensure that farmers are in the room when policy and trade discussions that affect them are being discussed,” said Ford, who was selected from more than 220 nominees.
The network comprises almost 300 farmers from 69 countries for GFN.
Ford was the lone Canadian representative at the recent event, which also included those from Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, South Africa, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom and the United States.
They participated in annual round table and communications training at the Inter-American Institute for Co-Operation on Agriculture.
“My biggest takeaway is that it doesn’t matter where you are in the world, we are all facing the same challenges. There’s immense value in working together to come up with solutions,” said Ford.
“What applies here at Quattro might not necessarily apply to a coffee farmer in Colombia who has no tractors or mechanization. But at the bottom, when you really distill it down to water, climate change, trade problems, the issues are all the same.”
The GFN continues to expand its reach and network. If an important meeting is being held that needs an agricultural voice, GFN tries to have a representative attend.
“The GFN offices will get calls like at the UN when the World Food Forum is going on and we need a farmer who can talk on Topic X. They (GFN) have different subject matter experts identified from our group, and they may call on you to present,” said Ford.
“We are getting the proper training to tell our stories and try to amplify the farmer’s voice in rooms they might not necessarily find themselves.”
Ford remembers attending the World Food Forum in Rome a couple of years ago. The meeting was held in the Food and Agriculture Organization building, but a key component was missing on stage.
“What I thought was missing on the stage was farmers. Anywhere in the end where they are discussing us, it is so important to have a farmer at the table. We are doing so many good things, we just don’t talk about it enough,” said Ford.
At Quattro Farms, Ford oversees agronomic strategy, environmental stewardship and food safety for the 24,000 acre joint venture that comprises five family farms. It produces cereals, pulses, seed canola, grass seed, potatoes, sugar beets, mint, peppermint, dill and catnip for domestic and international markets.
She chairs the research committee for Potato Growers of Alberta, allowing her to stay abreast of research in the region. Ford also volunteers with local schools and educational organizations doing farm tours.
Ford’s international trips over the years have given her a greater appreciation for Canadian agriculture. It may not be perfect, she said, but when compared to the rest of the world, it has some of the fewest hindrances to production.
“It’s easy to complain when you’re sitting at home, but you go listen to what other places have to deal with as far as regulations and things like that, it makes you feel real fortunate you are in Canada,” she said.
Established in 2000, the Global Farmer Network works to promote trade, technology, sustainable farming, economic growth and food security.
It identifies, engages and supports strong farmer leaders from around the world who can work with others to innovate, encourage and lead as full stakeholders in the work that is being done to fill the world’s food and nutrition security gap in a sustainable manner.
GFN also serves as a communication platform through an active website, farmer-authored editorials placed nationally and internationally and a rapidly growing social and digital media presence. It also provides speaking opportunities for farmers at important meetings and conferences around the world.
