Hey, It’s Ok for Vegetable Growers To Brag Once in a While
August 18, 2021 One of my favorite times of the year is selecting a winner for our Grower Achievement Award program. And I had a lot more to enjoy this year, since we expanded the program to select winners for three main U.S. regions: East, West, and Central.
We give serious consideration to each farm nomination we receive. We’re looking at how much other growers can learn from them, and how much they give back to not only the industry but also to their communities.
Reading through this year’s nominations, I’m blown away by what this industry is doing to help their fellow Americans. It’s a story that we as an industry need to tell. People trust you with the food they and their children eat, and you take that responsibility very seriously.
Self-promotion isn’t something growers like to do. It feels like bragging. And when you grow for a living, you measure quality by the results of your actions, not by smooth talking.
But I think it’s time for you to consider gritting your teeth and doing a little self-promotion. How will anyone know everything the industry does if everyone keeps their food bank donations secret, hides how many students you teach, and how often you step in to help your communities?
It’s human nature to respond to stories. There are plenty of negative stories in the news today. America needs to hear about what good vegetable farms are up to. And during times of fear, they need to know you are growing safe, sustainable food for their families.
Since self-promotion is something you’re likely uncomfortable with, consider hiring someone who will do it for you. It can be in small ways, like posting photos and stories to social media. Or it can be more organized, where your promoter reaches out to news outlets and customers, telling the story of your farm.
The story of the vegetable industry is one worth telling.
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