RDNs and farmers participate in the same food system that gathers all the factors (environment, humans, inputs, methods, infrastructures, institutions, etc.) that impact everything related to food. And farmers and RDNs can help each other learn and fill in the other’s knowledge gaps.
For example, an RDN might recommend some form of “organic” diet to a client with environmental sensitivities. The RDN may know the technical definition for what makes something “organic” but has no idea how that truly translates to farming processes. A farmer could educate an RDN on how organic farmers use different pesticides that can be described as “natural,” but don’t necessarily translate into more nutritional value than conventionally grown crops. By better understanding the food sources and systems, RDNs can amplify their ability to help clients improve their health and nutritional outcomes.
On the other hand, RDNs can leverage their specialized skills to educate farmers on how to better communicate to their target audiences. For example, while a farmer may know everything about how to optimize a row crop per acre, they may be less familiar with how to communicate its nutritional advantages to a wider audience. Alternatively, an RDN could help describe the nutritional differences in cow’s milk and nut “milks” to farmers looking to stay on top of the growing plant-based milk alternative industry.
And RDNs can help dispel myths and correct misperceptions with their clients. For example, helping them understand how GMO farming is about sustainable practices and helping them understand that eating that vegetable is delicious, safe – and healthy.
Looking Ahead
As many people in the world, including 12 million children in the US alone, deal with food insecurity every day, there is also an increased need for stakeholders in the food supply system to come together and create sustainable food practices. With farmers’ connection to the production and the RDNs’ access to the consumer, if they work together they can help develop these systems.
