The Challenge: Many of the solutions for global agriculture are well known and simply need to reach policy makers, donors and especially farmers. Other big questions require consensus to be built and evidence gathered. How can a science-based, farmer-centric approach to farming take root, providing trusted information and views in an engaging and shareable way?
Our Approach: Established in 2009, Farming First is a global agricultural coalition with around 200 supporter organisations. Marchmont provides the day-to-day support for the coalition, managing communications and outreach (including website, blog, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube) as well as producing regular campaigns around key policy themes. These have covered sustainable agriculture and climate change, food systems, women in agriculture, the sector’s contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals and the role of science and innovation.
Some examples of ongoing communications and outreach activities include: interactive illustrated infographics, animated GIFs, Expert Views articles, newsletters, policy toolkits, motion graphic and reportage-style videos, brochures and flyers as well as regular media outreach to top-tier global media.
Outcomes: Farming First has become a leading voice in advocating agriculture’s role in sustainable development. Farming First has brokered partnerships with the United Nations, Chatham House, the International Food Policy Research Institute, the Economist, the World Food Prize and the Chicago Council among others, also acting as media partner at global food and agriculture events including the Borlaug Dialogue. Its campaigns and content have received multiple awards including from the Gates Foundation and Digital Communication Awards.