Save Family Farming has worked to identify its mission and own the identity that it holds. That identity is that we would be an effective communications and advocacy arm for agriculture in Washington. The next question that comes to mind is who is it that we’re working to impact and communicate with. We’re asked, “Who is your target audience?”
The Steamroller Effect
Imagine for a moment a large steamroller, slowly but steadily destroying farmland across our state. Now, imagine that the steamroller represents things like rising production costs, excessive regulations, additional bureaucratic red tape, and political agendas that weigh heavily on farmers and that agriculture has to survive in the spite of. All the while, it seems like more and more ground is being destroyed and farming is becoming harder and harder.
We are fortunate to have many advocates in our state that are working hard in Olympia to negotiate with the policymakers driving that machine. They will meet with the machine and try to reason with the drivers.
Save Family Farming has a different focus: we’re more concerned about who’s fueling that machine. We want to communicate a message that resonates with those who are holding the fuel.
Our target audience is non-farming, urban and suburban voters—the ones who hold the power to influence the fuel supply.
The assumptions and misconceptions of these voters shape their opinions and, in turn, the policies that are enacted. Often disconnected from the realities of farming, they may see agriculture as distant, irrelevant, or even detrimental. But the truth is, they don’t know what they don’t know.
Urban and suburban voters play a crucial role in shaping the policies that impact agriculture. From environmental regulations to funding for agricultural programs, the decisions made at the ballot box directly affect the future of family farms. Yet, due to the structure of our society, many voters in these areas have little understanding of the realities of farming and this lack of awareness could jeopardize not only the livelihoods of farmers but the security of us all. This is where Save Family Farming steps in, striving to bridge that gap and make sure these voters are well-informed and will be advocates for the food production that we all rely on.
Family farming in our state is under siege. Farmers face crippling regulations, soaring labor costs, and constant government overreach. These challenges don’t just threaten farmers who have nurtured the land for generations; they also pose a threat to everyone—both farmers and non-farmers alike. Save Family Farming is working tirelessly to influence public opinion and remind people that no one is removed from agriculture. Whether you live in a bustling city or a quiet suburb, agriculture is an essential part of life, and its survival depends on a collective effort.
Bridging the Knowledge Gap
Most people today have no direct connection to farming. Their interaction with agriculture is limited to what they see at Safeway or Trader Joe’s. They may not understand the complex web of factors that affect food production, nor the struggles of the families who pour their heart and soul into farming.
Our mission at Save Family Farming is to change that. We aim to educate the public on the sophistication and care within the farming industry—the cutting-edge technology, the commitment to environmental stewardship, and the compassion and professionalism farms show to both their employees and the wildlife they work alongside.
Changing public opinion, especially among non-farming voters, is the long game. We won’t achieve our goals overnight. But with steady, consistent steps, we hope to build a more informed electorate that values the work of farmers and recognizes the vital role agriculture plays in all our lives.
Mobilizing Advocates for Agriculture
Our hope goes beyond simply educating the public. While education is part of our mission, we’re also about countering false narratives, accusations, and misinformation. We want to be truth-tellers who shine the light on any misinformation that may be stirring around from particular activists or the media. Save Family Farming is about holding people accountable for their statements and actions and not letting false information about agriculture go unchallenged!
Beyond all that, we want to inspire a movement—a growing body of advocates who are mobilized to protect agriculture from harmful policies. These advocates will ensure that the farming community is not only held to a high standard but also allowed to thrive as it continues to provide for our communities, our state, and beyond.
The voters in urban and suburban areas hold the fuel. Where they put that fuel (be that fueling a particular office or candidate, fueling the promotion of particular policies, or fueling certain ideas and opinions about agriculture) matters greatly! Save Family Farming is committed to reaching these voters and ensuring they understand the stakes.
That target audience holds the fuel pump and that’s who we’re looking to communicate with.
Join Us in Saving Family Farms
You can help us in this mission by supporting the work of Save Family Farming. Explore our website at www.savefamilyfarming.org to learn more about how you can get involved. Together, we can protect the future of farming and ensure that our agricultural community continues to thrive for generations to come.