At the end of the year, most folks find their calendars filling up quickly. Iowans will travel near and far to spend time with friends and family over the holidays.
Most get-togethers find us gathering together over a holiday meal. We look forward to long-held traditions and a lot of good food.
As a federal lawmaker from rural America, I work in Washington to educate folks about the food chain. Too many don’t understand what it takes to get food from farm to fork. Some people take America’s agricultural abundance for granted. Others may not understand the sophisticated system that gets a kernel of corn into your cereal bowl or gas tank.
Farming is an honorable way to earn a living and a noble service to humanity to feed the hungry. As the temporary caretakers of Earth’s natural resources, farmers understand their stewardship will have lasting consequences for future generations.
President Bush wants Americans to better appreciate the rural-urban partnership that feeds, clothes and fuels America. By proclaiming November 19 through 25 as National Farm-City Week, the President provides an opportunity during this season of thanksgiving for us to observe and give thanks for the good work done by millions of hardworking Americans across the country.
To the farmers and ranchers who work the land to fill America’s pantry with an affordable, healthy, wholesome and abundant food supply.
To the city partners along the food chain, including shippers, processors, marketers, retailers, distributors, and others who make the flow of food and fiber run so seamlessly along the economic chain.
Since colonial times, America has reaped the rewards of our agrarian heritage. And today, consumers continue to harvest the advantages of a nation so richly blessed in agricultural abundance.
American agriculture contributes significantly to the U.S. economy. Its impact runs deep through the rural countryside as well as densely populated urban areas. From small farming communities to bustling metropolitan centers, America’s agricultural network contributes greatly to our economic, social and cultural way of life.
In the U.S. Senate, I pay extra close attention to the issues affecting American agriculture. From food safety to food exports, my assignments on the agriculture, judiciary and finance committees give me a lot of say when it comes to crafting public policy affecting those working along the food chain.
As a leading producer of soybeans, corn, eggs, poultry, beef and pork, Iowa plays a vital link in the food chain. As we gather with friends and family to feast on the fruits of the harvest, let’s remember to celebrate the contributions of those who worked so hard on the farm and in the city to deliver the bounty before us.