Should the agriculture media act as advocates for agriculture? And what does it mean to be an agriculture advocate (or agvocate)? These are questions I posed to two of my colleagues at the Canadian Farm Writers’ Federation conference in Harrison, B.C., last weekend.
“On the subject of ‘are agricultural journalists advocates for the agricultural industry,’ I would say, in my opinion…that the answer is mostly yes,” said Chuck Zimmerman. “It’s kind of hard, in my opinion, to write or report on an industry that you passionately enjoy, love–whether you’re a farmer or not yourself–and not have that influence what words you choose.”
Zimmerman has a degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Florida. He covered agriculture news for several years before starting his own company with his wife, Cindy. Today they run ZimmComm New Media out of Florida.
What is an agvocate?
Zimmerman said he doesn’t really believe in such a thing as unbiased journalists, in agriculture or any other industry. “They may say they’re not, but you know I think the proof’s in their words.”
A journalist who reports on something negative within the agriculture industry can still be an advocate, Zimmerman said. Ag journalists can also help people who aren’t farming better understand where their food comes from.