We all eat food – it is critical to our existence and health. Rarely do we remember or recognize the critical role of our two million or so farmers in our country who produce the most affordable and safest food in the world. American agriculture is responsible for providing the necessities of everyday life … food but also fiber, clothing and even fuel. That’s the message of National Ag Day, which is celebrated March 25, 2014.
What could be more appropriate than choosing one of the first days of spring for this national event to focus on the producers and organizations such as government agencies, universities, companies and countless others across the country serving and servicing this huge and vital industry.
The National Ag Day program is committed to increasing public awareness about American agriculture. As the world population soars, there is even greater demand for the food, fiber and renewable resources that the United States produces.
Over 96% of our farms are still family owned and farmers today must be highly educated to be able to take advantage of modern science and technology. Our farmers have been so successful that we spend less on food, as a percentage of our income, than any other country.
The farming industry not only provides the bulk of our food but also is responsible for 23 million jobs and over $130 billion in exports. A recent survey indicated that 23 of the top agricultural universities in the world are in the US. Critical for us to be able to maintain both higher levels of productivity and sustainability.
The Agriculture Council of America, organizers of National Ag Day, believes that every American should understand how food, fiber and renewable resource products are produced and should value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy. They should appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products. National Ag Day will focus on educating Americans about the industry, so they may also acknowledge and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food, fiber and renewable resource industry.
Each year, the National Ag Day program gathers members of the agricultural industry in an effort to promote American agriculture. Focused on sharing how agriculture provides almost everything we eat, use and wear on a daily basis, the National Ag Day program helps educate millions of consumers each year.
On March 25th take a moment when you are eating your meals to remember the farmers who have produced the food you eat every day, all year long.
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The Chester-Delaware County Farm Bureau is a voluntary organization that works to advance the interests of agriculture and rural communities by working with policy makers at state and federal levels. At the local county level it carries out such programs as Food Check-Out and Harvest for All to provide food to the hungry and education on food and farming to youth and consumers. It offers numerous benefits and services to its over 7,000 members, and is affiliated with the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau Federation.