President Donald J. Trump proclaimed today as National Ag Day in a special presentation by U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue at the USDA’s Whitten Building in Washington. Present for the ceremony were youth representing FFA, Agriculture Future of America (AFA), 4-H and MANNRs, as well as members of Congress, USDA officials, Ag Council of America board members, and agribusiness leaders from around the country.
This year marks the second year that the administration has publicly recognized the first day of spring as National Ag Day as a salute to the contributions of America’s farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses.
In his remarks, Vice President Pence highlighted the critically important role America’s farmers and ranchers play in helping to feed, clothe and fuel not only 326 million people in the United States, but millions of people around the world. He applauded the tremendous output and resourcefulness of today’s farmers and ranchers, noting that one farmer today producers enough to feed 165 people, and that American’s spend far less for food compared to other countries – just 10 percent of their disposable income.
Don Tourte, chairman of the board for the Agriculture Council of America, the national organization charged with promoting National Ag Day, said receiving this type of recognition from the administration and USDA greatly enhances the stature of National Ag Day, as well as the many local and state Ag Day activities planned around the country. “More importantly, it reminds everyone that the affordable, abundant and nutritious food that they depend on every day comes to them thanks to the hard work and resilience of 2 million American farmers and ranchers.”
National Ag Day is organized by the Agriculture Council of America (ACA). ACA is a nonprofit organization composed of leaders in the agricultural, food and fiber community, dedicating its efforts to increasing the public's awareness of agriculture's role in modern society.
For more information on National Ag Day, visit agday.org and learn how America’s agricultural producers are proudly leading the way in providing the essential Food for Life to the world.
