Every March, agriculture enthusiasts and supporters across the U.S. celebrate National Agriculture Week, which is organized by the Agriculture Council of America.
Not only does this week provide the perfect opportunity to recognize those who supply our nation’s food, fiber and fuel, but it’s also fertile ground to educate the public on the importance and significance of the agriculture industry.
This year, National Agriculture Week is March 21-27, with National Ag Day kicking off the weeklong celebration.
“The entire U.S. agriculture community — farmers and ranchers, farmworkers, processing plant workers, truckers, researchers and everyone in between — deserves to be celebrated,” says Emily Rooney, president of the Agricultural Council of California and chair of the California FFA Foundation. “We are so fortunate to have an abundant, healthy food supply, and it’s essential that we honor everyone who contributes to keeping this complex system in motion.”
In addition to appreciating the hard work and dedication displayed by those in the ag industry, Rooney encourages FFA members to help their peers understand the crucial but often forgotten role agriculture plays in their daily lives during this celebratory week — and introduce them to FFA.
“It’s the perfect time to share what FFA and agriculture mean to you,” Rooney says. “Whether in a one-on-one setting, on social media or during a presentation to a group at school, sharing your unique perspective on ag is a great way to get new people interested in FFA. Even if they don’t join your chapter right away, you’ve planted the seed.”
Rooney also recommends FFA members research their area’s ag community and learn about the product, technological and environmental innovations taking place.
“In California, for example, our dairy industry is on track to reduce methane emissions by 40% by 2030,” she says. “Plus, the California almond industry is on course to reduce dust during harvest by 50% by 2025. Your city, state or region’s ag industry likely has a similar story of environmental stewardship to tell. Why not discover it and share it?”
Finally, Rooney suggests celebrating National Agriculture Week by spreading the word that FFA and agriculture are about far more than farming.
“Many young people don’t realize that FFA is a leadership organization that teaches invaluable life and professional skills,” Rooney says. “Those same people would probably be surprised to learn that the ag sector comprises a wide variety of professions — engineers, computer specialists, marketers and animal scientists, just to name a few — and there’s a place for everyone, no matter their skill set or interests.”
