Real Dirt on Farming speaker training for Members
The Real Dirt on Farming "Speak Up" day-long session will provide training for farmers on how to address sensitive topics with consumers.
In August, farmers in Nova Scotia will have an opportunity to take training that will assist with telling the story of modern agriculture. Each training session will be a single day and run from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The first session will be in Kentville on August 18th and a second session will be held in Bible Hill on August 19th.
Each session will cover information contained in the Real Dirt on Farming, a publication produced by the national Farm and Food Care Foundation. The topics covered in the session include:
- Farming 101
- Farming Myths
- Farming and the Environment
- Food and Farming
- Animal Care on the Farm
"Providing workshops like Real Dirt on Farming offers farmers the skills they need to communicate effectively about the agriculture practices applied on their farm," said Chris van den Heuvel, President of Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture. "Nova Scotia farmers will benefit from having a workshop that specifically addresses topics and information relevant to our province."
The session will be facilitated by Nancy Beth Guptill, founder of Sweet Spot Marketing. Guptill is a facilitator trained by the "Dirt on Farming" Speakers' Bureau to provide the Real Dirt on Farming "Speak Up" session.
"We know consumers view farmers as one of the most trusted informant sources, and are eager to learn directly from them. The Speak Up training provides farmers with speaking, presentation and personal communications skills that helps them connect directly with consumers and share their personal farming story," said Guptill.
Guptill also went on to say "The Real Dirt On Farming "Speak Up" training program is designed to help farmers, commodity groups and agri-businesses tell their personal farming and agriculture stories with consumers who are eager to have conversations with those responsible for producing the food they eat. There is a lot of misinformation in the marketplace, with many groups and individuals sharing the Canadian Agriculture story. As a result, consumers are both confused and concerned, and are seeking reliable information sources."
Each participant will leave the session with resource materials. They can use these materials as an information resource or tools when giving a presentation. A recent copy of Real Dirt on Farming will be given to each of the participants as well as a jump drive with a modifiable slide deck for those who wish to give presentations. Social media and "tough topics" will also be included in the training.
Space for each session is limited. Farmers interested in registering or looking for more information can contact the Federation's office at (902) 893-2293. If you cannot make either training session for any reason and are interested in such training, we will be happy to take your name and location for future events.
