“The Frank Parkinson Agricultural Trust is delighted to support Anna’s initiative and we hope that a group of independent farmers who are willing to talk to the press about their own farms without criticising others will help bridge the gap between the rural and urban communities.”
David Gardner, Trustee, Frank Parkinson Agricultural Trust
“The Just Farmers concept will work because it delivers for journalists – a breed who are sometimes ignorant, usually time poor and occasionally lazy. I know, I am one. A one stop, curated resource of independent, articulate, engaged farmers will be a great asset to farming and journalism.”
Tom Heap, Broadcaster and Journalist for BBC Countryfile, Costing the Earth and Panorama.
“It is of no benefit to the farming industry to remain silent in the face of growing pressures. An actual farmer talking about his or her farm, as opposed to an industry representative, especially if the farmer has been trained to articulate their thoughts well, is far more powerful and far more likely to be trusted by the public. The public need to understand the personalities and real life case studies behind the topics being discussed in the media.”
Rob Mercer, farmer and supporter of Just Farmers
“Farmers have to be willing to open up and answer difficult questions for the general public, and us as journalists, to be able to better understand their perspective. It is also our job as journalists to sometimes challenge these perspectives. We as reporters love to hear from people on the ground, personal experience and most importantly someone willing to give an honest insight into the industry.”
Mari Grug, Video Journalist, BBC Cymru Wales
“In the pre and post Brexit world, farming needs to make sure its voice is heard in the media. We need to hear from the farmers themselves – the people who put food on the table. Just Farmers is a brilliant idea – arming the farmers with the tools to articulate their story and resource for journalists to enable them to make direct contact with the farmers in the field.”
Sybil Ruscoe, journalist and broadcaster.
“I fully support the Just Farmers project. Trying to explain to the general public why so many farmers are struggling can be an enormous challenge. Farmers are not portrayed in a way that is worthy of any compassion. I believe this project will go a long way in raising awareness of the volatility of the farming industry and give a much-needed voice to the grass-root farmer.”
Sam Conway, The Farming Community Network
