AgChat Conference

I’m Lacy Gray with Washington Ag Today.

AgChat began as a group of farmers and ranchers who wanted to discuss current issues and topics on Twitter back in 2009.

SCHWEIGERT: It became very clear very quickly that there was also a need to connect with consumers because of the disconnect from plate to gate.

That’s Jenny Schweigert, Executive Director of the AgChat Foundation. Schweigert says the Foundation’s main purpose is to train farmers and ranchers and equip them with the tools they need to get on social media and connect with consumers.

SCHWEIGERT: We’re also now encouraging and trying to come up with different ways that we can get people not only talking on social media, but moving those discussions off-line and in-person in the grocery stores, elevators, planes.

In that effort the AgChat Foundation will be bringing back their Pacific Northwest Regional Conference April 27th and 28th at the Northern Quest Resort and Casino in Spokane. Schweigert stresses that anyone who produces food should attend.

SCHWEIGERT: Farmers, ranchers, any kind of grower; we had several blueberry growers that attended last year. Anyone out there that is producing the food that goes to the consumer plate, regardless of the method, or the size, or who you are. Farmers and ranchers should be attending this so that we can heighten that dialogue between the gate the plate.

For more information and to register for the event visit agchat.org.

That’s Washington Ag Today.

I’m Lacy Gray with the Ag Information Network of the West.