A FEW weeks back, events demonstrated to farmers, especially those involved in raising animals for food, the importance of reaching out to urban counterparts.
An author of a children’s book was invited to a Winnipeg school to read to Grade 5 students. A seemingly innocent and well-intentioned act on behalf of the school turned into a public relations disaster for the beef industry.
Nicholas Read, author of Saving Emily, read a chapter of the book in what amounted to a recruitment drive for vegetarianism.
It’s not our intent to knock vegetarianism. It’s a choice open to any individual. But the book’s depiction of farmers as heartless hicks who abuse animals and the book’s unsavory depiction of the meat industry are just false.
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It is an example of the need for agricultural education programs in our schools to counter the wrong information spread by those who view the world through philosophical blinders.
Agriculture in the Classroom programs exist in every province for this purpose. The programs offer a myriad of curriculum tools, lists of farm tours, teacher resources and possible guest speakers. Program workers are regular features at trade shows, exhibitions and agricultural events. As well, the Farm Animal Council offers similar resources in several provinces.
These programs do not feed students the sensationalist gruel offered by many animal industry opponents. Ag in the Classroom programs rely on something more long-lasting – honesty.
That is the best weapon farmers and others in the ag industry have against those who would see them shut down.
And schools should expect no less. Those shaping the minds of future decision makers of the country must make certain that fair and accurate information is given to students.
Nobody is asking for a book banning. Nor should anybody make light of the author’s right to write such a book and even the school’s right to have it on library shelves.
As an example, most libraries have a few copies of Bambi, a book that could be seen as influencing children’s thoughts on animal welfare.
But it is the responsibility of schools to ensure our children are being taught with honest information.
And it is every parent’s responsibility to ensure the opinions of the next generation are based on facts; that children are provided with more than philosophical doctrines, no matter from which side.
Our children have a right to the unfettered truth about where their food comes from. They must be allowed to see and touch real farms and understand how they operate.
At times like these, it is up to farmers to open up their farms and enable children to see for themselves what goes on. A farmer’s best weapon against this type of opponent is simple honesty.
