~ guest blog post by Donna Manring, Innovative Dining Solutions

Being raised on a farm brings back wonderful memories of running through the fields, riding the cows and pigs (which I wasn’t supposed to) and harvesting produce from the garden. My father was a Del Monte farmer and spent many long hours on a tractor or a combine. Nutrition had a simple meaning for me then. Mom served homemade delicious meals and made fabulous desserts. We as kids didn’t know that she was practicing the fundamentals or belief of the American Dietetic Association (ADA), all foods can fit into a healthy eating lifestyle.

Connecting the science of food and agriculture.

Today it seems agriculture and nutrition is more complicated than when I was a kid. If you look in the dictionary for the definition of nutrition and agriculture, you will see similarities. Included in both is “science and application of those principals”. Information technology is shaping agricultural/nutritional science and its application often stating inadequate and misleading information by those wishing to sell products or advance their own agenda.

The need for reliable sources of scientific data is growing, as consumers are growing tired of misinformation.  At the basis of public concern is a feeling of not being fully informed or, worse, of not being told the truth. Nutrition professionals (accredited by ADA) are continually addressing nutrition myths and fallacies. The agriculture industry experiences these same challenges. It becomes frustrating when dealing with inaccuracies and broad-based statements that defy science.

Take for example, high fructose corn syrup, science clearly proves that HFCS is metabolized similarly  as cane sugar yet there are those that state what is a negative “opinion” and it is not science based information. Every day there will be someone who touts a “belief” or a headline that clearly is not science based. Whether it is gluten free, dairy free or whatever the headline may be, we in agriculture and nutrition are the resources to clear the confusion.

Nutrition and agriculture have similar if not the same hot buttons. Without a doubt we are passionate about our role in providing science based information. I get excited when I think about nutrition and agriculture working together as a respected aligned culture of professionals advancing awareness and encouraging consumers to refer to reputable resources for information.

Together we have shared objectives and many opportunities to collaborate on methods, tools and mechanisms to work together. Today, more than ever, the commitment is strong to tackle hunger, food safety and nutrition through agriculture. Let’s pledge to continue to build an innovative partnership and strengthen our link in order to deliver optimal nutrition and agriculture information. By seeking closer collaboration with nutrition, agriculture can gain new insights into the needs of its primary customer, the consumer. The question is not whether there should be a closer relationship between agriculture and nutrition, but rather how best to achieve it.

ADA is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Collaboration between nutrition and agriculture communities will allow the opportunity to share information resulting in a strategic alliance. Social networking keeps me informed and enhances my knowledge base with the agriculture community. Attending the World Dairy Expo was a huge eye opener for me. It was informative and it was an incredible learning experience. How will you learn more about nutrition and agriculture?

As a nutrition professional, I will be looking to connect with agriculture to better understand ways to work together in delivering, as Michele would say, “From Gate to Plate” message. Will you join me?

Donna Manring, DTR, owner and founder of Innovative Dining Solutions, is an accomplished professional speaker and consultant specializing in topics on food, nutrition, dietetics, leadership, team building/retention, customer service and operational improvement. She helps clients uniquely create the “mood for food.” You can find her on Twitter.

Donna has many years of working with the food industry. She believes “food is one of life’s greatest pleasures!” She’s also a proud grandma and loves to spend time in the kitchen.

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