Where does your food come from?
If you're like many Americans, the answer is the grocery store. The grocery store isn't where food comes from - it's just from where it's distributed. In reality, far too many people are unaware of the role of American agriculture in their daily lives . . . and what it really takes to have food on their dinner table.
Just a few generations ago, most people were a part of - and had friends or relatives involved with - agriculture. Today, that's no longer the case. Agriculture is responsible for providing the necessities of life . . . food, fiber, clothing, and shelter.
American farmers are working harder than ever, and it shows. Today, each American farmer feeds more than 144 people. Agriculture is this nation's number 1 export and vitally important in sustaining a healthy economy.
It is not just the farmer who makes our food possible. The entire agriculture industry, all the way to the grocery store, is the vital link in a chain that brings food to every citizen - and millions of people abroad. Today, more than 22 million people work in the agriculture industry, or about 20 percent of America's workforce. This includes careers in everything from food chemistry to banking to commodity trading. Needless to say, the job descriptions of tomorrow's agriculture professionals may look quite different due to advances in farming technology and the broad opportunities that extend far beyond the field.
It's easy to take agriculture for granted in America. Our food is readily accessible and safe. For this, we're unbelievably fortunate and blessed.
The efficiency of American farmers pays off in the price American consumers pay for food as well. U.S. consumers spend roughly 9 percent of their income on food compared with 11 percent in the United Kingdom, 17 percent in Japan, 27 percent in South Africa and 53 percent in India. This great value is due in large part to improved equipment efficiency, enhanced crop and livestock genetics through biotechnology and conventional breeding, and advances in information management.
Today, March 20, 2008, is National Agriculture Day. It is appropriate that it is celebrated the first day of spring. Ag Day is a good time to reflect and be grateful for American agriculture.
If you're like many Americans, the answer is the grocery store. The grocery store isn't where food comes from - it's just from where it's distributed. In reality, far too many people are unaware of the role of American agriculture in their daily lives . . . and what it really takes to have food on their dinner table.
Just a few generations ago, most people were a part of - and had friends or relatives involved with - agriculture. Today, that's no longer the case. Agriculture is responsible for providing the necessities of life . . . food, fiber, clothing, and shelter.
American farmers are working harder than ever, and it shows. Today, each American farmer feeds more than 144 people. Agriculture is this nation's number 1 export and vitally important in sustaining a healthy economy.
It is not just the farmer who makes our food possible. The entire agriculture industry, all the way to the grocery store, is the vital link in a chain that brings food to every citizen - and millions of people abroad. Today, more than 22 million people work in the agriculture industry, or about 20 percent of America's workforce. This includes careers in everything from food chemistry to banking to commodity trading. Needless to say, the job descriptions of tomorrow's agriculture professionals may look quite different due to advances in farming technology and the broad opportunities that extend far beyond the field.
It's easy to take agriculture for granted in America. Our food is readily accessible and safe. For this, we're unbelievably fortunate and blessed.
The efficiency of American farmers pays off in the price American consumers pay for food as well. U.S. consumers spend roughly 9 percent of their income on food compared with 11 percent in the United Kingdom, 17 percent in Japan, 27 percent in South Africa and 53 percent in India. This great value is due in large part to improved equipment efficiency, enhanced crop and livestock genetics through biotechnology and conventional breeding, and advances in information management.
Today, March 20, 2008, is National Agriculture Day. It is appropriate that it is celebrated the first day of spring. Ag Day is a good time to reflect and be grateful for American agriculture.
