The climate between food producers and food buyers is as divisive as politics and as contentious as religion. No More Food Fights!, a new book out this month, aims to bring farmers and foodies together for productive conversations that improve our national food system. Authored by food and farm advocate and ag communications specialist Michele Payn-Knoper, No More Food Fights! Growing a Productive Farm & Food Conversation speaks to all sides of the food movement.

She wrote the book after continuously witnessing the growing divide between farmers and eaters that she believes is causing confusion in the grocery aisles and placing the future of farming at risk.

“A tiny fraction of the population produces our food,” Payn-Knoper said.

“In fact, more than 98 percent of Americans are several generations removed from first-hand farming experiences, and very few have even visited a farm. Most are very disconnected from and distrusting of modern agriculture.

“At the same time, many farmers have done a poor job of talking about today’s farming practices, neglecting to really listen to questions about how food is grown. They’re not taking advantage of tools such as social media that could help facilitate the connections to the farm that food buyers crave."

In fact, three in five Americans would like to know more about how food is grown and raised, but don’t feel they have the time or money to prioritize, according to a recent survey conducted by the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance.

“So we are left with a chasm filled by stereotypes, misinformation and a 24/7 media environment taking over the food conversation. No More Food Fights! bridges this divide and helps food producers and eaters find peace at the plate through direct conversation.”

To learn more about the book, click here to visit Payn-Knoper's website. PD

—Information from www.causematters.com