13-19, 2011, a time when producers, agricultural associations,
corporations, universities, government agencies and countless others
across America gather to recognize and celebrate the abundance
provided by American agriculture.
As the world population soars, there is even greater demand for the
food, fiber and renewable resources produced in the United States.
The National Ag Day program believes that every American should:
•understand how food, fiber and renewable resource products are
produced.
•value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong
economy.
•appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant
and affordable products.
•acknowledge and consider career opportunities in the
agriculture, food, fiber and renewable resource industries.
Agriculture provides almost everything we eat, use and wear on
a daily basis, and is increasingly contributing to fuel and other bio-
products. Each year, members of the agricultural industry gather
together to promote American agriculture. This effort helps educate
millions of consumers each year.
By far, the most effective part of this program is the role you play in
helping spread the word. A few generations ago, most Americans
were directly involved in—or had relatives or friends involved in—
agricultural-related endeavors. Today, that is no longer the case.
That is why it is so important that we join together at the community
level . . . our voices, in concert, become a shout that carries our
message a great deal further than any one of us can do alone! We are
pleased that you have joined this effort to promote American
agriculture. Agriculture is AMAZING!
Why Celebrate Ag Day?
Americans need to understand the value of agriculture in
their daily lives. Here are just some of the key reasons why it’s
important to recognize—and celebrate—Ag Day each year:
Increased knowledge of agriculture and nutrition allows
individuals to make informed personal choices about diet
and health.
Informed citizens will be able to participate in establishing
the policies that will support a competitive agricultural
industry in this country and abroad.
Employment opportunities exist across the board in
agriculture. Career choices include:
• farm production
• agribusiness management and marketing
• agricultural research and engineering
• food science
• processing and retailing
• banking
• education
• landscape architecture
• urban planning
• energy
• and other fields.
Beginning in kindergarten and continuing through 12th
grade, all students should receive some systematic
instruction about agriculture.
Agriculture is too important a topic to be taught only to
the small percentage of students considering careers in
agriculture and pursuing vocational agricultural studies.
Agricultural literacy includes an understanding of
agriculture’s history and current economic, social and
environmental significance to all Americans. This
understanding includes some knowledge of food, fiber
and renewable resource production, processing and
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