For years I had been writing about farms and agricultural issues for agricultural publications, some local papers and a magazine. I visited a wide variety of farms and attended meetings of organizations with a vested interest in advocating for farmers selling to consumers and for conserving agricultural lands. Along the way I saw a gap between consumers and farmers, which prompted me to write the book. I have been to a few dozen farms. I also did a good amount of research, especially for explaining terms and labels.