As food safety and quality assurance professionals, it’s easy to get bogged down by the constant barrage of emails, audits, and corporate bureaucracy. But according to industry expert Sonny Brar, the key to success lies in shifting our focus from “the village” to “the farm.”  

In a captivating presentation at the recent food safety conference, Sonny shared a powerful parable passed down from his great-grandfather. The story follows a farmer who becomes so preoccupied with pleasing the gossiping villagers that he loses sight of the beautiful farm he’s been blessed with. It’s a tale that resonates deeply with the challenges we face in the world of quality assurance.  

“We have these beautiful factories, these amazing teams,” Sonny explained. “But the village is the emails, the politics, the corporate red tape that we have to deal with. If you asked me what I’ve learned in 22 years, it’s always focus on the farm and not the village.”

Sonny’s advice struck a chord with the audience, and it’s easy to see why. In an industry driven by checklists, audits, and compliance, it’s all too tempting to get caught up in the minutiae and lose sight of the bigger picture. But Sonny’s message is a powerful reminder that true success lies in nurturing the core of our operations – the people, the processes, the passion for food safety.  

Of course, Sonny acknowledges the importance of documentation, audits, and technological advancements like AI. But he cautions against becoming overly reliant on these tools, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human emotional intelligence.  

“AI will never replace EQ,” Sonny declared. “I respect AI, but I will always respect the human intelligence more than a machine.”  

Instead, Sonny advocates for a collaborative, partner-like approach to quality assurance. He encourages QA professionals to “hit the floor” and engage with employees, fostering open communication and mutual respect. It’s a philosophy that has served him well, with his teams consistently achieving industry-leading audit scores.  

As the food industry continues to evolve, with increasing automation and unannounced audits, Sonny’s message couldn’t be more timely. By keeping our focus on the farm – the core of our operations, the people who make it all happen – we can navigate the ever-changing landscape of food safety and quality assurance with confidence and success.  

So the next time you find yourself drowning in a sea of emails and bureaucratic red tape, remember Sonny’s sage advice: “Doesn’t matter what the village is saying. I’m only focusing on my farm.”