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Little Rock-Based Heifer International to Receive Funds
PHILADELPHIA, PA (August 4, 2010) – In one of the most significant developments in its 134-year history, Farm Journal Media today announced formation of the Farm Journal Foundation and the foundation’s upcoming October launch of a long-term, industry-wide campaign titled “Farmers Feeding the World” that will rally American agriculture against world hunger.
“American agriculture stands unique in its ability to alleviate world hunger. American farmers are the most prolific food producers in the world and they are up to the task,” stated Andy Weber, chief executive officer for Farm Journal Media. “The Farmers Feeding the World campaign will help educate the public about agriculture’s role in feeding a hungry world, while rallying the agriculture industry around an effort to raise financial support for organizations already on the front lines in fighting global hunger.”
Both individual donations and corporate sponsorships to the initiative will help fund the efforts of Heifer International, a global organization working to help end hunger and poverty in a sustainable manner.
Heifer provides living gifts of area-appropriate livestock and training in agricultural practices for families in need on five continents. Heifer lifts entire communities out of poverty by helping them to become self-reliant.
Farm Journal expects to announce additional charity partners for the project in coming weeks.
According to the United Nations, 1 billion people across the globe suffer from chronic hunger today. This number is expected to dramatically increase as the world’s population grows to a projected 9 billion by 2050, requiring a 70 percent increase in the amount of food the world’s farmers produce annually.
“It is our goal to raise at least $20 million annually for charity and education through this campaign,” Weber stated. “While many agricultural organizations and companies operate individual fundraising efforts, this campaign is an opportunity for the industry to combine its efforts to do work that is especially meaningful for people everywhere.”
Many organizations and individuals are expected to join the effort, and already two leaders in their fields—Indiana farmer and former “Top Producer of the Year” Kip Tom of Tom Farms and marketing agency Charleston/Orwig of Hartland, Wis.—have committed to the campaign. Charleston/Orwig is donating its design and creative talent to develop campaign elements. Tom will act as the campaign’s farmer spokesperson, championing the effort to fellow producers, agribusiness and consumers alike.
”We in U.S. agriculture are privileged with cutting edge technology and blessed with natural resources which allow us to produce the most abundant, safest and most affordable food supply in the world,” shared Tom. “And while this is a business for us all, we fully realize our good fortune and are committed to fight world hunger with both the food we produce and the dollars we donate. For these reasons, I am honored to represent the American Farmer as part of the Farmers Feeding the World campaign.”
Farmers Feeding the World will have its own web site and e-newsletter, plus a mobile exhibit that will make multiple appearances throughout the United States beginning in 2011 at venues where large consumer and farm audiences mix. The campaign will be promoted across Farm Journal Media’s television programs, magazines, newsletters, web sites and live events, employing all of the company’s 17 million monthly touch points.
“American farmers are truly heroes for a hungry world, feeding 155 people per farmer,” Weber continued. “By harnessing the deeply held generosity of the agriculture community, we can and will go above and beyond the farm gate to put food in the hands and mouths of those who need it most.”
About the Farm Journal Foundation
The Farm Journal Foundation is a non-profit corporation dedicated to sustaining U.S. agriculture’s ability to serve the vital needs of a growing world population with education and assistance focused on the unique interests of people and organizations aligned with U.S. agriculture. The Foundation will house Farm Journal’s myriad industry advocacy initiatives such as the Farmers Feeding the World campaign and elements of the Farm Journal Legacy Project.
About Farm Journal Media
Farm Journal Media is the nation’s leading agricultural media company. Its magazines are the 133-yearold flagship FARM JOURNAL, TOP PRODUCER, BEEF TODAY, DAIRY TODAY and IMPLEMENT & TRACTOR. The company produces and distributes the “AgDay” and “U.S. Farm Report” national TV programs. Its Web sites include the industry leader, AgWeb.com, and MyMachinery.com. Farm Journal Media also licenses detailed industry data through its FarmReach™ database, publishes the Pro Farmer and LandOwner newsletters, produces numerous large-scale live events and provides extensive custom publishing services.
About Heifer International
Heifer’s mission is to end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth. Since 1944, Heifer International has provided livestock and environmentally sound agricultural training to improve the lives of those who struggle daily for reliable sources of food and income. Heifer is currently working in more than 50 countries, including the U.S., to help families and communities become more self-reliant. For more information, visit www.heifer.org or call (800) 696-1918.
About Kip Tom and Tom Farms
Tom Farms is a global producer, sales and service operation, specializing in seed corn, corn, soybeans and vegetables. A leading supplier of seed corn, the company is internationally known for its innovation in agricultural production.
About Charleston/Orwig
Charleston/Orwig is a full-service communications consultant with core competencies in public relations, issues and crisis management and corporate social responsibility programs.
