March 19, 2013 National Ag Day

National Ag Day

Every year, producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, government agencies and countless other across America join together to recognize the contributions of agriculture. The Agriculture Council of America hosts the campaign on a national level.

2013 Ag Day Promotional Video

Ag Day is about recognizing - and celebrating - the contribution of agriculture in our everyday lives. The National Ag Day program encourages every American to:

*Understand how food and fiber 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 product

Each American farmer feeds more than 144 people, a dramatic increase from 25 people in the 1960s. As the world population soars, there is an even greater demand for the food and fiber produced in the United States.

Your participation in Ag Day is critical in helping spread a positive message about agriculture. If you are interested in planning an event, download your Planning Guide. Other ways you can lend your support, includes sending a letter to your local newspaper, calling your Congressional representatives or simply sharing information about agriculture with youngsters in your community.

For additional information contact the Agriculture Council of America at (913) 491-1895. Or use their online contact form.

Resources:
National Ag Day Blog

National Farmers Market Week: August 5-11, 2012

To celebrate National Farmer's Market Week we visited a local market in Tamarac, Florida. The group is known as the Community Farmers Markets of South Florida.

"As a food photographer, my visual senses came alive; as an explorer of foods, the smells and flavors were enticing; and as a dietitian my mind raced with the food combinations, satisfying the senses and nutritional needs." Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RD, LDN

Farmers markets are worldwide and reflect an area's culture and economy. They often feature produce locally grown, meats raised humanely, handmade farmstead cheeses, eggs and poultry from free-range fowl, as well as heirloom produce.

“Farmers grow the food, talk about how they grew the food, and learn from the shoppers who in turn prepared the food for family dinners. The farmers market is the place where food is both fuel and culture, and thus the place where we grow healthy communities.”  - Richard McCarthy, founding President of the Farmers Market Coalition and Executive Director

The Farmers Market Coalition (FMC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to strengthening farmers markets for the benefit of farmers, consumers, and communities. During National Farmers Market Week, the FMC has prepared daily opportunities to celebrate with a themed media kit, called "Seven Days, Seven Ways to Celebrate Farmers Market Impacts."

USDA Encourages Americans
to Know Their Farmers

A USDA effort seeks to create economic opportunities in
rural America by promoting local and regional food systems.

Twelve Reasons to Visit a Farmers' Market

 Alice Henneman, RD

Food Safety and the Farmers Market

With the number of farmers markets increasing throughout the country, food safety inspectors are working harder to make sure consumers get safe products when they shop.

Abbey Harding is a food safety inspector for the Michigan Department of Agriculture. Part of her job is to inspect farmers markets, like the one in Grand Rapids, to make sure venders are complying with current regulations.

One thing an inspector looks at is the labeling. Vendors need to specify where their products are grown. Typically with packaged goods, vendors must list weights, ingredients, and whether the product requires refrigeration.

"If it's coming from a licensed source, we'd check with license control," Abbey Harding said. Michigan vendors need to be licensed and if they process food, they may be subjected to inspection at their facility.

Resources.

USDA, Farmers Markets

2012 National Farmers Market Week Proclamation (PDF)

Community Farmers Markets of South Florida. Current Farmers Markets are located at the following places:
Plantation Farmers Market, a year round adventure, every Saturday from 8-2, in Volunteer Park on Sunrise Blvd, between NW 188th ave and Flamingo Road.
Tamarac Farmers Market, also year round Market, every Sunday from 9-2 on the NW corner of Southgate and University.
Boynton Beach Farmers Market, year round every Saturday from 9-2, on the SE corner of Boynton Beach Blvd and Federal Highway.
Margate Farmers Market is a seasonal Market only open from November to April.

National Ag Day March 15, 2011

National Ag Day

Every year, producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, government agencies and countless other across America join together to recognize the contributions of agriculture. The Agriculture Council of America hosts the campaign on a national level.

Ag Day is about recognizing - and celebrating - the contribution of agriculture in our everyday lives. The National Ag Day program encourages every American to:

*Understand how food and fiber 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.

Each American farmer feeds more than 144 people, a dramatic increase from 25 people in the 1960s. As the world population soars, there is an even greater demand for the food and fiber produced in the United States.

Your participation in Ag Day is critical in helping spread a positive message about agriculture. If you are interested in planning an event, download your Planning Guide. Other ways you can lend your support, includes sending a letter to your local newspaper, calling your Congressional representatives or simply sharing information about agriculture with youngsters in your community.

For additional information contact the Agriculture Council of America at (913) 491-1895. Or use their online contact form.

Resources:
National Ag Day Blog