Today, the Fresno County Board of Supervisors proclaimed March 14-18, 2016, to be National Agriculture Week, and the month of March 2016 to be Nutrition Month in Fresno County.
National Agriculture Week celebrates America’s diversity of people, cultures, commodities and landscapes involved in agriculture, as well as the diversity of crops, career opportunities and the economic activity generated by the value-added items produced on the nation’s farms.
Nutrition Month recognizes the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.
“I am pleased to partner with Supervisor Pacheco in bringing a proclamation before the Board of Supervisors honoring National Agriculture Week and Nutrition Month in Fresno County. It is important that we continue to recognize the positive contributions that the agriculture industry provides to our county, the state and the world,” stated Fresno County Board of Supervisors Chairman Buddy Mendes.
Agriculture provides necessities for everyday life…food, fiber and clothing. In Fresno County, more than 400 crops are grown on more than 5,600 farms. For every $1 produced on the farm, more than $3.50 is generated upstream and downstream in the local and regional economy.
“Agriculture in California is unmatched anywhere else. Fresno County is located in the heart of one of five Mediterranean growing regions in the world. It’s known for its fertile soils, long growing seasons and a developed surface and groundwater supply,” said Fresno County Farm Bureau CEO Ryan Jacobsen. “In 2014, Fresno County farmers and ranchers produced more than $7.04 billion in agriculture production at the farm gate. Although California agriculture still faces many challenges, such as the on-going drought that continues to linger, National Agriculture Week celebrates the agriculture industry and the people who bring in our abundant harvest.”
Events to mark the occasions will take place throughout the state.