There are a lot of poor people in rural communities. Agriculture business involves the people who provide farmers with input goods and services. We should not let those in the agriculture industry speak for those in production agriculture in the political arena or marketplace. Many people believe that food serves one purpose, which is to feed the human body, Arndt said. The church can help educate farmers about the marketplace, supply and demand of farm commodities, and what's happening around the world.
Many producers receive an education, but few understand how to care for their own business.
Once farmers begin to learn to question the agricultural industry, they can prepare for change. The ELCA has a full-time staff person devoted to rural ministry, Sandra A. LaBlanc, Des Moines, Iowa, told farm leaders. LaBlanc is an associate in ministry and director for rural ministry resources and networks, ELCA Division for Outreach. There are four primary areas of rural ministry, LaBlanc said. They are education, spirituality, resource development and advocacy.