Every Week is Ag Week in Missouri
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 16, 2009
Contact: Adam Buckallew (573) 635-3819
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – This week marks the 36th anniversary of
National Ag Week, a nationwide effort to recognize agriculture's contribution
to the every day lives of Americans. In Missouri, the state's commodity
groups are working to ensure this key message is extended beyond March
15-21.
Thirteen of Missouri's agriculture organizations are once again teaming
up to educate elected officials and local leaders on the importance of
agriculture to Missouri's economy through the popular Lunch & Learn
Series. Now entering its third season, the program is designed to broaden
agriculture awareness and education in communities across the state.
"
National Ag Week provides a great opportunity to highlight the success
of the agriculture industry," said John Kleiboeker, Missouri Beef
Industry Council executive director. "But this message needs to
be shared year round. Agriculture revitalizes our rural communities and
infuses dollars in the state's economy. By conveying this message through
these Lunch & Learn events, our leaders can see firsthand how valuable
the industry is to Missouri's communities."
Agriculture is the number one economic driver in Missouri, generating
$6.2 billion in cash receipts from the sale of agricultural products
in 2007. The industry also provides significant funding through income
and property taxes. In 2005, animal agriculture producers alone paid
more than $240 million in income taxes and $79 million in property taxes.
The tax revenue from these facilities helps fund roads, schools and libraries.
Producers are also making great strides in their ability to produce food,
feed, fuel and fiber. One American farmer now supplies food for about
144 people, compared with just 46 people in 1960. Through good stewardship
of the state's land and resources, Missouri's producers supply safe,
abundant, affordable food. According to the Agriculture Council of America,
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.
"
Agriculture is the backbone of the Missouri economy and the state's leading
industry," said Dale R. Ludwig, executive director/CEO of the Missouri
Soybean Merchandising Council. "Our Lunch & Learn programs provide
us with opportunities to educate local leaders throughout the state about
the challenges and opportunities facing Missouri's grain and livestock
industries. As the world's population continues to grow, agriculture
has never been more important."
Last year, the coalition hosted 20 successful events at different farms
across the state. Partners in the 2009 Lunch and Learn Series include:
the Missouri Agribusiness Association, Missouri Beef Industry Council,
Missouri Cattlemen's Association, Missouri Corn Merchandising Council,
Missouri Dairy Association, Midwest Dairy Association, Missouri Department
of Agriculture, The Missouri Egg Council, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri
Pork Association, The Poultry Federation, Missouri Soybean Merchandising
Council and the University of Missouri Extension Commercial Agriculture
Program.
For more information and upcoming Lunch & Learn events, visit www.lunchlearn.com.
For more information on National Ag Week, visit www.agday.org.
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