Minnesota Department of Agriculture

 

CommonGround, a group of women farmers dedicated to having one-on-one conversations with consumers about the food they grow, celebrates an impressive milestone this month: 10 years of service and impact.

With so many food choices available, the women farmers of CommonGround serve as a resource connecting with families about food and farming topics. The organization’s farmers volunteer their time to share personal experiences, as well as science and research, to help consumers sort through the myths and misinformation surrounding food. What began as a handful of volunteers with a shared goal is now a growing national organization with more than 200 volunteers across 20 states.

“I’m proud to be part of something so authentic in this crazy world,” said Lauren Biegler, a CommonGround Minnesota volunteer from Lake Wilson. “All the women in the program have such genuine love and pride for their families, farms and the products that come off their farms.”

The organization’s success lies with volunteers making personal connections with consumers. CommonGround farmer-volunteers are uniquely qualified to empower other women and moms to feel confident in their food choices by building a better understanding of modern agricultural practices.

This work is often completed conversation by conservation on social media or at events. Recently, CommonGround hosted a virtual cooking class for busy moms that featured chef instruction and open conversation about the meal and a wide array of common food questions surrounding topics such as GMOs, gene editing, pesticides and hormones in meat and milk. Other outreach efforts include farmer-facing videos, timely facts and discussion on CommonGround social media channels, and more. Together, these activations show the program’s grassroots, authentic approach to conversations in action.

CommonGround was developed by the National Corn Growers Association in collaboration with state corn and soy farmer associations. Though 10 years have passed, the mission remains the same: break the barriers between farmers and consumers through personal conversations.

Minnesota’s corn farmers help fuel CommonGround’s mission through their investment in the Minnesota corn check-off. Reaching the non-farming public is one of many ways the check-off is building a brighter future on the farm. Learn more by clicking here.

Follow CommonGround Minnesota on Facebook and Instagram.