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Dear Editor,
Where does your food come from?
If you’re like many Kentuckians, the answer is the grocery store. But there’s more to the story. Today, 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 in America were farmers or were directly tied to farming through their families. Today, even in still largely rural Kentucky, that’s no longer the case. That’s why I’m writing. Because farmers are responsible for providing the necessities of life – food, fiber, clothing, and shelter.
Your farm neighbors are working harder than ever. Today, every farmer in America feeds 144 other people. Farm products are America’s No. 1 export and are vitally important in sustaining a healthy economy. Here in Kentucky, farming is the keystone of a food sector that is responsible for up to 30 percent of the state’s economic activity.
As busy as we all are, it’s easy to take agriculture for granted in America. Our food is readily accessible and safe. For this, we’re unbelievably fortunate – but that doesn’t mean we don’t have an obligation to recognize the important people who make it possible.
At my request, Governor Fletcher proclaimed March 19-25 as Agriculture Week in Kentucky. This is a good time to reflect on – and be grateful for – your farm neighbors, and to share that message with others. It’s also a good time to look for Kentucky-grown, raised or processed agricultural products, many of which carry the distinctive Kentucky Proud label. It’s a good way to support Kentucky’s hard-working farm families and to support your local economy by keeping more of your food dollars in Kentucky.
Sincerely,
![[sig] Richie Farmer](images/clip_image002.jpg)
Richie Farmer
Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture
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