By Emily Davies. Posted on
Just Farmers is recruiting
As a farmer, are you looking to engage with the media constructively about the narrative around British agriculture, but do you feel reluctant or nervous to do so?
Perhaps you've never had the opportunity to talk to the press about what you do, but you'd like to?
In short, if you feel that voices like yours aren't being heard in the mainstream media – now's the time to step forward - and you can do that with Just Farmers.
We are currently recruiting for our next set of workshops, you can apply here and read more about what we do in the article below.
So what is Just Farmers?
We are a community interest company that enables farmers to use their voice for positive change in UK farming; giving you the confidence to tell your story with pride through fully-funded Media Education workshops, while helping journalists and programme makers find independent voices at the grassroots of farming.
-
We offer fully-funded Media Education workshops to individual farmers and growers with the aim of building confidence and communication skills at the grassroots of British agriculture.
-
And we build connections between farmers and the media; helping journalists and programme makers find independent farmer case studies and industry commentators to talk to.
Why is there a need for us?
Farming is one of the most misunderstood jobs in modern society. To some, it seems an idyllic way of life. To others, it looks cruel and destructive.
The problem is that the public perception of an entire industry is often worlds away from the everyday reality on individual farms. This is because:
- Many farmers see journalists as a threat, believing there is an anti-farming agenda working against them.
- It’s not always easy for journalists to find good talkers without a wider agenda, and negotiating access on to farms can be tricky.
We believe that by bridging the divide between the agricultural industry and urban media, we can give the consumer a greater understanding of where their food comes from, as well as the challenges that we all face around food security.
How does Just Farmers work?
Our fully-funded media education workshops are aimed at improving your understanding of how the media works and what journalists need to do their jobs.
Every successful applicant will attend one workshop in the city and one workshop in the country, each workshop lasts two days, and there are 12 spaces per workshop.
Together we explore the relationship between the public and the media; learn what the media wants by developing your news sense and editorial judgement, do practical interview exercises, story-pitching sessions, Q&As with guest journalists and invite you to step out of your comfort zone by meeting people who may think differently about food and farming. Practical elements of our workshops also include introductions to TV, Radio, Podcasting, Writing, Filming on Your Phone and Social Media.
Our workshops are run by media professionals who still work within the industry and have a connection to agriculture.
Our farmers are selected in small groups of 12, twice a year and they represent the following farming sectors:
- Arable
- Organic
- Dairy (housed)
- Dairy (grass-based)
- Pigs (indoor)
- Pigs (outdoor)
- Poultry (indoor/enriched colony)
- Poultry (free-range)
- Beef
- Sheep
- Horticulture
- Smallholding / market garden
Once you have completed our workshops, you will become part of our Just Farmers network - with a profile on our website and an 'open door' to the media. This means that members of the media can contact you for an interview on any topic of your choice - allowing you to tell your story and get your voice heard.
How can I apply?
Download the application form here and email it to emily@justfarmers.org to apply!
What kind of farmers are we looking for?
Just Farmers are unknowns. And we mean that in the nicest possible way! They are not senior office holders in farm unions or trade organisations; they are not celebrities or media personalities. They are literally Just Farmers.
This is about helping the media reach farmers and growers they would otherwise struggle to find. So if you’re already writing a regular column, or have been interviewed on national TV and radio numerous times, or present a programme, or have thousands of followers on Twitter – then you don’t need our help. You’re already flying – and please keep doing what you’re doing!
But for those who want to engage with the media in a constructive way, but may feel reluctant, nervous or unsure about sticking their head above the parapet, or just haven’t had the opportunity – this could be for you.
When are the next workshops?
We are currently recruiting for people to join us in Bristol at our next workshop at the end of January / start of February.