Communication with the general public needs to become a priority for farming, according to an agricultural business consultant who will address the Farming Scotland conference at Carnoustie in February.
Social media pioneer and agricultural business consultant Simon Haley will tell farmers they need the public to become better informed about what they do, how the food we eat is produced, and the impact farming has on wider society.
He said: “If the farming community ignores the opportunities for sharing its story, others will fill the gap, often with negative or alternative agendas.
“Storytelling is such a powerful tool and the agriculture industry must utilise its full potential.”
Mr Haley has already founded online and social media channels which have engaged thousands of people in telling, sharing and hearing farmers’ stories, and said he looked forward to engaging with delegates.
He added: “They have an opportunity to communicate their passion, professionalism and purpose through visual elements that do so much more to explain the highs and lows of working in the rural sector.”
The Farming Scotland Conference takes place at Carnoustie Golf Hotel and Spa on February 13.
nnoicolson@thecourier.co.uk
