As we wrote in our last blog, we are likely to be exposed to increased unscientific rhetoric in the coming year on a multitude of food-related subjects.  And, consumers will be challenged to sift through media layers and determine trustworthy sources of information.

When it comes to produce safety, we suggest farmers as an important resource.  We often say that a farmer’s first consumer is their own family.  I can personally attest to that as a farmer’s daughter who married into another farming family.  From oranges to strawberries to broccoli, my kids have enjoyed eating fresh produce right off the plant and tree throughout their lives.

The farmers I know personally (and I know a lot of them) would only provide their children with the very safest fruits and vegetables.  And, yes, the fruits and vegetables that reach consumers come from the very same fields and orchards.

While many farmers are busy and somewhat shy when it comes to social media, more and more realize the importance of what they do and have begun sharing the farming experience more publicly. We encourage consumers to follow these farmers on social media to learn more.

The Alliance for Food and Farming (AFF) also has conducted farmer takeovers of our Instagram channel to help communicate firsthand about production practices, advancements in technology and the daily challenges faced to provide safe and healthy fruits and vegetables. You can see the posts and videos from our Farmer Takeovers here.

Another important consumer resource is registered dietitians/nutritionists (RDs).  Nutrition is an area rife with opinions and recommendations coming from a variety of sources.  Misinformation abounds! However, RDs strive to provide science-based, actionable recommendations for consumers.  They are invaluable when it comes to learning more about nutrition and helping consumers navigate through the massive amount of diet-related content hitting us constantly.

Many RDs also specialize.  From pregnancy, diabetes, gut health, pediatrics, sports medicine, there is an RD out there to help you with sound nutritional advice.

RDs are also great resources for healthy recipes and providing creative ways to increase daily consumption of fruits and vegetables – a food group they universally recommend we eat more of every day.  You can see some of those on the AFF’s Dietitian Quick Tips page at safefruitsandveggies.com.

Information is power, however, inaccurate information when it comes to food and nutrition can have the exact opposite effect and potentially negatively impact you and your family. This is why finding reliable and trustworthy sources can simplify this increasingly complicated food world and truly provide the information you need.

Read, learn, choose but eat more organic and conventionally grown produce every day for better health and a longer life.