National Ag Day is celebrated today, March 19, 2013, and this is the time to recognize all of the contributions made by agriculture producers, associations, corporations, universities and government agencies affiliated with the industry.

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) and the National Ag Day program make an effort to promote:

An understanding of how food and fiber products are produced.

The role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy.

The importance of safe, abundant and affordable products.

“Because of agriculture, we have food to eat and clothes to wear. So often, our farmers and ranchers get overlooked because so much of what they do is taken for granted because people equate getting their food from the grocery store. As the population grows, our ag producers will be working harder and looking for more efficient, yet healthy, ways to feed the world,” said LDAF Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M. “With agriculture being one of the largest industries in the state, you may know someone who is affiliated with the industry. Make sure you tell them ‘thank you’”.

Agriculture is an $11 billion industry in Louisiana.