GFO stepping up outreach to the public. Ottawa—Telling the story of Canadian agriculture to the public is undergoing some changes. Agriculture More Than Ever is moving to the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity (CCFI) in Guelph from Farm Credit Canada, which launched it in 2012 while Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) is launching a new social media campaign to celebrate food. John Jamieson, CCFI's President & CEO, said, “It is important to acknowledge the excellent work FCC has done to promote public trust in the Canadian food system through Ag More Than Ever (AMTE).” Moving it to CCFI “complements the work we've been doing since 2016, when CCFI was formed to help earn public trust in Canada's food system. The synergies with AMTE will support our activities in sustaining public trust for decades to come.” Its addition is a key milestone in the CCFI's growth strategy and builds on its plan to connect Canadians with agriculture and the food system by providing transparent two-way communications, he said. Meanwhile GFO is boosting its Good in Every Grain program with an expanded social media presence “to bring together Ontarians during these difficult times and throughout the province's recovery by connecting through food stories.” Victoria Berry, GFO's Manager of Communications, says that under the banner of What's Your Food Story, Ontarians will be invited “to celebrate food and its place in our lives - in celebration, tradition, shared experience, healing, and more. We are excited to see people's food stories and to shine light in all of our lives by connecting with others through the celebration of food. Food unites us and inspires us, and keeps our energy as we navigate our present environment.” Run predominantly online and through social media, the GFO campaign will “create an inclusive way to share food stories, while rewarding people who share. What's Your Food Story will meet Ontarians wherever they are and whenever they are engaging in food. It will remind everyone to celebrate the safe, healthy food grown in Ontario and the farmers who are at the root of all our food stories.” AMTE was set up to meet a rising need to improve public perceptions about agriculture and food through “a forum where the industry could come together to share pride for agriculture, as well as inform consumers about how their food is produced.” “Over the years, AMTE has been very successful at putting a human face on one of Canada's most important and dynamic industries,” said Todd Klink, FCC's chief marketing officer. “That's why it has grown into one of the top forums for celebrating Canadian agriculture and generating stronger public trust in our food system.” AMTE has become the No. 1 social media channel dedicated to public trust in Canadian agriculture, with over 94,000 followers across multiple social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. It has also been the driving force behind Canada's Agriculture Day, launched five years ago to celebrate Canadian agriculture, food and everyone who works in the industry. Both FCC and the CCFI view the transfer as an opportunity to take the public trust initiative and conversation to the next level, he said. Through its public advocacy and awareness activities, CCFI has emerged as the neutral voice on all things related to food in Canada. Alex Binkley is a freelance journalist and writes for domestic and international publications about agriculture, food and transportation issues. He's also the author of two science fiction novels with more in the works.