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3. 2006 National Extension Women in Agriculture Conference

Woman Taking the Lead for Kentucky Agriculture--Results of a Public Policy Institute

Gae Broadwater

Summary

Kentucky’s women farmers, many of who represent small and limited resource farmers, wanted to learn more about how important public decisions and policies that affect their future are made. This session will describe a public policy institute based on the input from these Kentucky women working in agriculture. They gained information on how policy and legislative priorities are established; how to lobby on agriculture issues; what makes an effective public statement; and ways to work with the media to get the message out to the consumer as well as policy makers. Institute participants were prepared to use these new tools and information to teach others how to make their voices heard. This project’s overall aim was to strengthen the state’s sustainable agriculture through policy and legislative avenues by preparing women in agriculture for new leadership roles. Based on the experiences and recommendations of Institute participants public policy educational materials, tip sheets, fact sheets, and other information were developed for Kentucky Women In Agriculture, Inc.’s members and its web site. This toolkit addressed such topics as working with the press, preparing a fact sheet for local decision-makers, and how to inform the public about agriculture issues. The project was funded by Southern SARE’s Sustainable Community Innovation program.

Details

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