Extra: Earth Day
MAEAP farms and other local story angles
Are you looking for local story angles related to Earth Day (April 22)? Consider speaking with local farmers about their environmental stewardship practices or, better yet, profile a local farm that is verified in the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) or working toward MAEAP verification. MAEAP helps farmers voluntarily minimize agricultural pollution risks by teaching them how to identify and address those risks and work to comply with state and federal environmental regulations. Learn more about the program at http://www.maeap.org/maeap. For assistance arranging interviews with local farms, call Jill Corrin at (800) 292-2680, ext. 6585, or Jeremy C. Nagel, ext. 6584.
Dispeling myths of 'Food, Inc.'
PBS plans to air the film "Food, Inc." on April 21 as part of Earth Day celebrations. Several organizations have conducted intensive fact-checking regarding claims made in the film and found it lacking in general fact and objectivity in numerous areas.
Two "Farm to Fork" backgrounders highlighting food system facts have been produced by the International Food Information Council Foundation:
- What Food System Experts Say About Modern Food Production http://tinyurl.com/yl7572z
- What Farmers Say about Modern Food Production http://tinyurl.com/yj8ywy
Several groups have also produced comprehensive documents outlining facts that dispel food system and agricultural generalizations promoted by the movie, including:
- Comprehensive Myths and Facts Web site about "Food, Inc." http://tinyurl.com/yz3xd4m
- Background document by the National Corn Growers Association http://tinyurl.com/yglrxee
'America's Heartland' special Earth Day webisode
Producers of the "America's Heartland" public television series have compiled a special Earth Day episode of "America's Heartland" to provide an alternative view of agriculture and its relationship to the environment. The webisode at http://tinyurl.com/y82kex2 features selected stories that highlight the positive steps farmers take to protect the environment while producing healthy food.
