Below are the three ways that a contributing author can get involved.  We intend for these pieces to be educational and worthwhile so that they can be used in the field as well as in the classroom. By making this information accessible to all readers, especially those younger, a shift towards more ecological decision-making can occur in the consumer and the producer. We accept all writers and skill levels. Our editors are here to help work with you on a piece, if you need, so that it is published just how you like it. No edits needed? No problem, we’ll happily publish it as well. This is beyond the computer, this is A Growing Culture, help be apart of the advancement of ecological agriculture today, with your contribution!

The Technical Essay

The essay is detailed and focused on a particular aspect of an observed agriculture system as opposed to a generalized overview like the Farm Profile. It is ok to publish more than one technical essay for the same farm. Our goal here is a searchable database of “enjoyable to read technical information”. The introduction, and conclusion may be broad and describe the system as a whole, but the body of the essay will focus on a technical aspect of the operation and be written in such a way that the information could be used and passed on. Contributing Essays will be written in fairly non-biased prose while using concise and efficient language without gaudy embellishments or bold conclusions that are not backed by research or sources. Outside sources are encouraged and if you do use any, please make note of them. Be creative, challenge others, ask questions, share knowledge and information!  Herberts piece on Aquaponics is a great example.

The Topic & Opinion Paper

These papers are written about greater food system topics and world agriculture issues. They will touch on aspects of eco agriculture beyond the field, and are designed to be educational and create discussion through an intelligent argument.  Topics could include but are not limited to GMOs, policy, rural community development, marketing, eating vegetarian, you name it. The possibilities are endless and we look forward to contributions from authors who may have focused more on the sociological and anthropological side of this eco-agriculture movement. Check out Chad’s piece on Pastured Meats for a good example.

The Personal Interview

The interview is conducted between a contributing author and someone who has pertinent information to share about eco agriculture or a greater food system issue. The author designs questions to help guide the conversation, and then reports it all in question and answer format. These pieces are unique because the dialogue comes from the interviewee as opposed to the author. Subjects are as diverse as the Topic & Opinion Paper and these interviews are a great way to share information from someone who may not have a chance to write a piece. Check out Tommy’s interview with Temple Grandin for a good example.

Why Contribute at AGC?

• With 1,000 hits a day and steadily growing, your pieces will not only contribute to the growth of the community but also will receive more and more exposure as we continue to develop.
• Your piece will appear on our facebook and twitter page, as well as on RSS and on our front page, and will be permanent in our archive where it can be searched by keyword.
• If applicable, you can post contact information or a link to your website or organization; thus directing more traffic to you and your site.
• We give you all of the credit for your contribution.
• We don’t charge, nor do we pay; for those authors that continue to contribute information, we are working out an incentive package with goodies such as notebooks for field interviews, stickers, and our t-shirt, as well as a personalized bio page.
• You can be apart of a growing collection of eco agriculture practices and information, and help fuel the change that is needed in our global food system, now that’s cool!

So, like to write? Have a piece? Working on a farm that has developed a unique technique worth sharing? Send us a note below about it and we’ll help you get started. Remember, we realize your time is valuable, and we truly appreciate any form of contribution and Do Not take it for granted! Thanks for considering!