The annual Ag Day celebration is scheduled for March 22 at the west steps of the State Capitol, so mark your calendars and plan to join us! And in the meantime, please take a look at this video from last year’s Ag Day and read an Op-ed from the Santa Cruz Sentinel by State Senator Bill Monning.
Sen. Bill Monning: Celebrating California agriculture
Every spring, communities across the state come together to recognize the contributions of California’s agricultural industry on California Ag Day. This year, Ag Day will be celebrated on March 22 and it provides Californians with the opportunity to reflect on the contributions that farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers make in providing accessible and affordable foods.
With more than 400 agricultural commodities produced in our state, there is no denying that California feeds the nation. There are farming families in every California county who work tirelessly each day to produce nearly two-thirds of the nation’s fruits and nuts, and over a third of the country’s vegetables. Agriculture is the backbone of California’s economy and accounts for over $46 billion in sales, all while helping to employ more than 3 million people in jobs ranging from veterinary services to agricultural engineers.
It is estimated that each American farmer produces enough food to feed 144 people. Yet today, most Americans have lost a true understanding of the process and the people it takes to bring healthful foods from the fields to their dinner tables. There are countless Californians who work thanklessly to grow, harvest, transport, distribute, package, and prepare the products that feed and nourish our families. Celebrations like Ag Day create an awareness of the work these Californians do and foster a greater understanding of the role that the agricultural industry plays to guarantee that all Californians have access to safe, reliable, and healthful foods.
Climate change, labor shortages and historic drought conditions represent just a few of the natural and man-made barriers California farmers face in growing fresh and affordable crops. California must continue to support growers and ranchers through the conservation of farm lands, smart investment in water resources, continued support for agricultural research at California’s public universities, and ensuring safe working conditions for farm-workers.
I encourage everyone to take part in celebrating California’s agricultural industry by proudly supporting California grown fruits, vegetables, nuts, wines, and dairy products. For more information about California agriculture, visit the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s website at www.cdfa.ca.gov.
