WASHINGTON (June 24, 2009)—The Hand that Feeds U.S., a project aimed at educating urban media about the importance of U.S. agriculture, has received an enthusiastic welcome from the farming and ranching community it hopes to defend.

Early support for the project, which launched last month, ranges from family farmers to small businesses and agricultural groups nationwide. It has even gotten letters of support from farmers as far away as Australia.

The positive response is a good indication that The Hand that Feeds U.S. is fulfilling its original purpose-creating a platform for U.S. farmers and ranchers to tell their stories, talk about the need for U.S. agriculture, and counter those who have been critical of U.S. agriculture in the past.

Below are some of the emails the project has elicited:

"I was looking at your website…[A]s we are farmers, your message hit home and we are planning a series of "Dinner on the Farm" to help this message by inviting non-farmers to our home and farm to visit over dinner about Ag issues."

- Gayle Anderson, Idaho

"Thank you for making this effort. I manage a family farm in Illinois that has been in the family for 5 generations…[I] find myself constantly having to educate people here about basic things, and often I have to disabuse them of misinformation from the media."

- Scott Cleave, Illinois

"My husband has three brothers who grew up on the farm but have worked for large corporations including pharmaceuticals and even they have their facts wrong. We are certain that the media has influenced their thinking as much as talking to their brother, the farmer!"

- Diane Langstraat

"I am investigating how agriculture can connect with the media to portray a positive image of farming…[C]urrently I farm with my wife Kelly and parents in the Great Southern region of Western Australia. I believe that the work/research you are doing would provide some valuable input into my study."

- Dave Cussons, Australia

"Formation of this group is a great idea. Communicating proactively with the news media is essential to the success of today's farmer/ranch community!"

- Marilyn Wentz, Colorado

"Hi, just surfed your website and really like the idea. We are the 5th generation on the Borg farm and would be interested in sharing our story."

- Debbie Borg, Nebraska

"I am an agronomist living in Utah and have made it my life goal to spread the message of agriculture and the benefits that this industry offers humankind."

- Bob L. Rogers, Utah

"I look forward to receiving your newsletter. Thanks for giving farmers a voice."

- Meshell Moore, Texas

"Your organization is for a very worthy cause and intimately close to us. [W]e are a family farm in central IL…and are upset about the misinformation in the media concerning agriculture."

- Judi Graff, Illinois

We look forward to hearing your feedback on The Hand that Feeds U.S. efforts and website. Comments are welcome; if you would like to submit a comment, please email .