FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, March 19, 2007

For more information contact:
Bill Clary

(502) 564-4696

bill.clary@ky.gov

COMMISSIONER FARMER ACCEPTS CHALLENGE
TO CREATE STRATEGIC PLAN FOR KENTUCKY AGRICULTURE

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer is joining other Kentucky farm leaders in accepting Governor Ernie Fletcher’s challenge for Kentucky agriculture to develop a strategic plan to build on the gains of the recent past and meet the challenges of the years to come.

“I believe that it’s important for us to know where we are, but more importantly where we are going,” Commissioner Farmer said at the Governor’s Agriculture Summit March 15 in Louisville. “The world is changing, and we must change with it. Our challenge is not to stop change, but rather to guide change.

“For the first time in a long time, Kentucky agriculture is driving the change. We have gone from defense to offense. Through bold, innovative ideas and strong leadership, Kentucky agriculture is taking action rather than reacting.”

The Kentucky Agriculture Council has requested nominations for a task force to head the strategic planning effort. Nominations are due by April 18. The task force will meet on May 2.

“I invite you to join us as we look into tomorrow and create Kentucky’s agricultural vision for tomorrow – a tomorrow that is even greater than today,” said council Chairman Tony Brannon, dean of the Murray State University School of Agriculture.

The speakers at the summit’s opening session noted that Kentucky agriculture achieved annual farmgate receipts of more than $4 billion while tobacco income was in decline. But they added that more work needs to be done.

“Anyone who rests on their laurels is going to be left behind, and we in Kentucky agriculture are not going to do that,” said Marshall Coyle, president of Kentucky Farm Bureau.

M. Scott Smith, dean of the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, called for the delegates to “broaden our scope and broaden our vision.” He called for a plan that would include workforce education, research, innovation and infrastructure.

Governor Fletcher urged that the plan be completed before the end of the year in preparation for the 2008 session of the General Assembly.

Commissioner Farmer encouraged the delegates to continue in the spirit of teamwork that has helped Kentucky agriculture achieve significant gains over the past decade.

“By working together, we can do so much more to insure that Kentucky’s farm families and communities will prosper – not just next year or the year after that, but for decades to come,” Commissioner Farmer said. “That prosperity will mean that our kids and grandkids – who are, after all, the most important crop we will ever raise – will continue to enjoy Kentucky’s rich rural heritage of farm, faith and family.”

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