It was just over a year ago that Farm & Food Care Canada released its fourth edition of “The Real Dirt on Farming” booklet, with the goal of distributing one million copies over the following four years.
The organization says that milestone was reached this week, just 15 months after the 52-page digest was first published.
“We’ve seen everything from farmers who have hand-delivered copies to the waiting room of their doctors’ offices and lawyers to dietitians using them in their work to businesses that have ordered thousands of copies for their staff and customers,” said Kelly Daynard, who manages the national project for Farm & Food Care.
The booklet was written to help Canadians better understand food and farming, addressing topics like GMOs, antibiotic use, animal care and pesticides.
“We’ve come a long way from the first edition of the booklet in 2006 where we distributed about 15,000 copies,” noted Farm & Food Care Canada chair Bruce Christie.
“We’ve been so appreciative of the support from agri-food businesses, farm organizations and individuals that have come forward to pledge funds and distribution assistance for this project,” he continued. “There’s a real need for accurate information about modern food and farming practices and this publication does just that.”
There have been several large distribution efforts, along with many orders for smaller quantities. As examples, Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan inserted 350,000 copies in Co-op grocery shopping bags and an Ontario Junior Farm club purchased 5,000 copies to hand out at events. The pamphlet was also included in the Globe and Mail last March and there are plans to distribute it to National Post readers this spring.
You can a view The Real Dirt on Farming and order copies at www.RealDirtonFarming.ca.
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