Missouri Governor Matt Blunt and the Missouri Department of Agriculture

Jefferson City, Mo. - infoZine - As agriculture families are honored this week, National Agriculture Week, it is the hope of Missouri Governor Matt Blunt and the Missouri Department of Agriculture that all Missourians will take the time to appreciate the many contributions made by our state's agricultural producers.

"The celebration of National Agriculture Week is the reverence and respect to the past, present and future of an industry that has allowed our country and our state to be the best they can be," said MDA Director Fred Ferrell.

Celebrated annually in conjunction with the first day of spring, National Agriculture Week is a time to celebrate Missouri agriculture and to honor the people who work to meet our everyday needs. It is a time to educate Missourians about how food, fuel and fiber products are produced and about the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy. At one time, 'agriculture' would have been defined by most people as row-crop and livestock production. Today, that traditional definition has been expanded.

Missouri agriculture markets play a greater role than ever before. The State of Missouri's number one industry is responsible for providing such necessities of everyday life as food, fiber and fuel. However, many consumers are becoming so far removed from the agricultural process that they often take it for granted. Whether reaching into their closets for a fresh cotton shirt, or into the refrigerator for milk or eggs, or turning the key of their automobile in the morning - consumers can be confident the items they reach for will be there. MDA is committed to increasing the awareness of the importance of Missouri agriculture in our daily lives.

"The successes of American and Missouri agriculture are rooted in a heritage that has spawned the most productive agriculture system in the history of mankind," said Ferrell. "We will protect, defend and enhance what our forefathers provided to us. In doing so, we salute our hard-working farm families - the men and women of Missouri agriculture."