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Losing sleep over liesAs an editor, I often spend hours a day reading. So when I'm reading for fun, my personal reading includes fiction by Janet Evanovich, Patricia Cornwell or Dan Brown. But a few summers ago, I read "Fast Food Nation" by Eric Schlosser, While the book claims to be a non-fiction report on the food industry, all the way from McDonald's back to the farm, I soon found that it was yet another work of fiction. Instead of relaxing with my book at the end of a day, I remember not being able to sleep because I was frustrated with the misinformation in the book. I remember nudging my husband as he was drifting off, telling him, "You aren't going to believe this...." And then reading him some ridiculous statement from the book. He, of course, was already asleep. The book was well-written and gripping. If I had not known better, I would have been drawn in to the tales of feces and chemicals in meat and the purposeful mistreatment of industry workers and food animals. But I did know better and it was infuriating. At the same time I was reading the book, I'm sure there were corporate executives in the food industry lying awake as well. The book was developing a cult-like following and they needed to respond appropriately. With a growing momentum, Schlosser did what any good businessman would do, he wanted to develop the brand. So a movie idea was conceived. But by then, the food industry knew something had to be done. A group of businesses and organizations got together to bring truth to the discussion, through what they called Best Food Nation. They were unlikely teammates, but a public relations response was needed and they needed to work together. Recently, I heard Charlie Arnot, CMA Consulting, talk about how the groups worked together on what was ultimately a successful campaign. Arnot specializes in public relations and worked with the Best Food Nation groups. He talked of some players bringing dollars and others bringing dedication, but they all brought determination to see that the food industry was not misrepresented. While they got a little help from the movie itself, which turned out to be a flop, their willingness to work together and provide balanced information was a huge success. It was soon evident that Best Food Nation shouldn't be specifically focused on one campaign against the food industry. The mission of providing safe, abundant and affordable food to consumers across the globe continued. There were other groups, such as the Grow America Project based in Indiana, working for the same goal--hoping to correct misinformation and to address consumer concerns. Combining efforts, the Center for Food Integrity was born just a few short weeks ago. Their mission: "To build consumer trust and confidence in the contemporary U.S. food system by sharing accurate, balanced information, correcting misinformation, modeling best practices and engaging stakeholders to address issues that are important to consumers." As producers at the beginning of the food chain, we so often forget that we are partners in an industry with processors, wholesalers, grocery stores, and restaurants. But not everyone has forgotten. CFI is a group devoted sharing accurate and balanced information about the food industry. As a producer, and an agricultural journalist, I will sleep better knowing they are there helping to protect the truth. Holly Martin can be reached by phone at 1-800-452-7171 ext. 1806 or e-mail at hmartin@hpj.com. Date: 5/2/07
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