OVERLAND PARK, Kans. — March 20 marks the first day of spring and National Agriculture Day. The Ag Day program, coordinated by the Agriculture Council of America, emphasizes how U.S. food and fiber products are produced and the role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy.
“U.S. agriculture continues to lead the way in providing our nation and the world with a safe, abundant food supply. Our efforts not only feed hungry people, they provide economic stability for thousands of rural communities and our nation as a whole,” according to Mike Toelle, chairman of the Agriculture Council of America, owner of Toelle Farms in Browns Valley, Minn., and chairman of CHS, Inc., a Fortune 500 producer-to-consumer cooperative system.
As the world population soars, there is even greater demand for the food and fiber that the United States so efficiently produces. National Agriculture Day focuses on educating Americans about the industry and about career opportunities in the agriculture, food and fiber industry. National Agriculture Day also provides information about agriculture and nutrition to help individuals to make informed personal choices about diet and health.
“National Agriculture Day is far more than an occasion to celebrate agriculture and its contributions, it provides an important opportunity for our industry to tell our story to and build relationships with consumers, elected officials and other important audiences,” says Toelle.
“I urge everyone in the agriculture community — from the farm and ranch to the supermarket shelf — to make it a priority to reach out on National Agriculture Day and share our successes and contributions,” says Toelle. “It is only through the efforts of each of us that we can gain broader understanding about agriculture and our industry’s vital contributions. Support of a National Agriculture Day celebration is a key link in helping the industry build strong relationships with the consuming public.”