How Much Do You #GiveACrop About Pesticides?

What if talking about pesticides was a laughing matter? Could a little levity make a favorable impression on the general public? Could a hint of humor help foster a better understanding of their importance? That’s the premise behind #GiveACrop, CropLife America’s (CLA) two-year-old initiative aimed at creating conversations about the need for pesticides.

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With wry wit and tiny bits of information, the campaign seeks to impart facts and counter myths that exist about pesticides and their use.

It’s hard to have conversations about complicated issues like pesticide use. Too often discussions around pesticides devolve into contentious debates.

That’s the #GiveACrop videos, website, and memes is a welcome change of pace for people who may be looking to spruce up their standard pesticide presentations with a bit of spice.

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If you revel in innuendos, check out these short videos — “Wild Oats” and “Friendly Advice.” Their teasers? “Want future generations to #GiveACrop? Make sure you have the talk.” and “Sometimes the only thing standing between you and blight is a little friendly advice.” (You can find these videos and more at GiveACrop.org.)

Recent communication pieces feature “The Pest,” a green-eyed, costumed character whose antics both amuse and provide food for thought.

My personal favorites featuring The Pest are “A Pest for All Seasons,” “The Chef,” and, “Office Pest” (recognize a coworker?). They’re short, they’re thought-provoking, and they’re easily shared.

Just because the clips are funny doesn’t mean they aren’t also factual. Last year, CLA’s central message for the videos was the necessity of providing tools for farmers. A major goal of the campaign is to make sure conversations about environmental health and human safety include facts supported by sound scientific studies.

On the more serious side, one section of GiveACrop’s website is devoted to debunking myths like “There is only one right way to farm, and that’s organic or non-GMO or conventional or biotech, and the list goes on.” The response: “Can’t we all just get along? The truth is there is no best way to farm. The myriad tools and practices U.S. farmers and ranchers use highlight the efficiency of the U.S. food system. Each growing method has benefits, and farmers should have the freedom to choose the production method best suited for their needs whether it be conventional, biotech, or organic practices.”

As the #GiveACrop site notes: “When you #GiveACrop you’re saying that you’re not afraid to have the talk about the produce you love and the pests you don’t.”

The latest crop of four videos premiered at the CLA/RISE Annual Meeting in Amelia Island this September and were inspired by ideas from employees of CLA-member companies. The plan for 2019 is to continue generating videos, memes, and website content to share more information about modern farming methods and the importance of pesticides.

So, go ahead and #GiveACrop. You also can share some smiles and start some conversations.

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