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March 16, 2001

Celebrate National
Agriculture Week!

By Susan Combs
Texas Ag Commissioner

Many of us mark important dates such as birthdays and anniversaries. But here's one that's probably not on many calendars—and it should be! It's National Ag Day and Week, when America's farmers and ranchers are recognized for their invaluable contribution to our daily lives. National Ag Day is March 20. This year National Ag Week is March 18-24.

Agriculture touches the lives of each and every one of us in ways no other industry can. But in today's urban society, many consumers are becoming so far removed from the agricultural process that they often take it for granted. Whether reaching into their closets for a fresh cotton shirt, or into the refrigerator for milk, juice or eggs—most consumers are confident the items they reach for will be there.

Most folks are not aware that agricultural products are used to make crayons as well as cosmetics. And they may not know that just about everything else they use—from soap, mouthwash and shaving cream, to the asphalt they drive on—all start on the farm. That's why it is crucial that we increase consumer awareness and teach consumers about agriculture and the impact it has on their lives.

One reason why agriculture is taken for granted is that the dependability of our food and fiber sources is rarely in question. At least 20 percent of the country's work force is employed in the agriculture industry. That means more than 22 million people have one of the many thousands of jobs in agriculture, whether it involves the selling and trading of food and fiber, or marketing, producing, processing and transporting it.

American farmers play a huge role in feeding the rest of the world, as well. Last year, U.S. agricultural exports exceeded $50 billion. As one of the nation's major exporters of agricultural products, Texas ranked sixth in the value of its agriculture exports with $2.5 billion in 1999, creating 39,000 jobs in the state. And, the Texas grain industry figures prominently in those numbers. Texas exported almost $500 million worth of grain products in 1999 and the economic impact of the food and feed grain industry to the Texas economy is more than $2.6 billion.

Through good times and bad, America's farmers and ranchers continue to provide consumers with an abundant supply of safe food at bargain prices and with a quality that is second-to-none.

Agriculture continues to reach out to consumers and to change with the times. New research is constantly producing better tasting and longer lasting fruits and vegetables, and foods like pork and beef have become leaner over the years to appeal to health conscious consumers. And many of the products we use are being made with convenience in mind as life-styles move at a faster pace. We can be proud that the agricultural community is doing a great job keeping up with the changing tastes and life-styles of consumers.

Thank you for your dedication to agriculture.