Posted: 03.09.2011

In recognition of National Ag Day on March 15, 2011, Brad Pfaff, Executive Director for the USDA's Wisconsin Farm Service Agency (FSA), thanks farmers and others involved in agriculture for their hard work and commitment to the industry.

"Agriculture is an important to our daily lives and is often taken for granted, but in these uncertain times, it should be remembered that American agriculture is not only important for food, clothing and shelter, but, the industry also plays an important part in homeland security," said Pfaff.

Pfaff refers to American agriculture as, "Homegrown Security". The U.S. agriculture sector is almost entirely under private ownership and counts for nearly one-fifth of the Nation’s economic activity.

"On National Ag Day, when we stop to thank farmers who work day in and day out to provide a safe, abundant and affordable food, fiber and fuel supply, we should also take a moment to thank these same individuals for serving as first responders and as the front line of defense in the effort to protect our food and water sources," said Pfaff.

FSA's mission is to provide farmers and ranchers with the federal farm commodity and credit support they need to ensure they remain viable in an increasingly unpredictable and volatile global market.

Through more than 43 federal farm programs, FSA provides producers with an economic "safety net". These programs stabilize farm income, assist agriculture producers to conserve natural resources, provide credit for farm ownership and operation and help producers recover from the effects of natural disasters. FSA also maintains the USDA's feed, seed and fertilizer data which uses geospatial information to maintain a detailed database on related storage facilities – another important component in homeland security.

FSA understands and appreciates the amount of work that farmers do on a daily basis to produce the nation’s supply of food, fiber and fuel. Pfaff encourages consumers to learn more about agriculture in their area and the people who produce the commodities we enjoy.

For more information about National Ag Day, visit www.agday.org and to learn more about the Farm Service Agency, visit online at www.fsa.usda.gov.

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