Thanking our Farmers

Thanking our Farmers

Rep. Boozman's Column for the Week of March 15, 2004

This week is "National Agriculture Week" which makes it an ideal time to thank America's farmers for their tireless work and dedication.

America's agriculture industry represents 13 percent of our nation's economy. In Arkansas, agriculture is our top industry. Rice, poultry, soybeans, wheat, cotton, pork, beef and dairy bring the state billions a year in revenues.

The backbone of the industry is our farmers and ranchers who are some of the hardest working people you'll ever meet. They represent the best of America, promoting values that make our country great - family, responsibility, hard work, respect of nature and good clean fun. These are characteristics that make our country unique; they are the spirit of America.

They also have an uncompromising respect for nature. President Bush is fond of saying that "everyday is Earth Day if you own your own land." I couldn't agree more. Farmers are the best stewards of our land. Working day in and day out in the fields or with livestock ingrains in a person how important it is to protect our natural resources.

It is these values that draw so many of us to farming. Raising and showing cattle brought me closer to my family and gave us a greater sense of accomplishment. My three daughters all learned the value of hard work and responsibility through raising and showing livestock while in 4-H.

A healthy agricultural industry means a healthy economy. This is the reason we passed an expansive Farm Bill in 2002 and why we must continue to work to craft new trade agreements. Our farmers benefit when new markets are opened. Arkansas is ranked 11th in the nation in agriculture exports, bringing in over a billion dollars a year. Over 18,000 Arkansans hold jobs related to agriculture exports.

Agriculture is also key to our national security. It is not usually thought of in that context, but it is the industry that feeds us, clothes us and even provides some of our energy. Imagine what would happen to our country if we could no longer produce enough food to feed our citizens. We can never allow ourselves to get into that position, which is why we need to work hard in Washington, D.C. to protect our farmers.

Protecting our farmers means protecting the integrity of the Farm Bill. It means eliminating the Death Tax so that family farms can stay in the family. It means opening new markets and eliminating tariffs that punish our farmers. And in Arkansas, it means ensuring our farmers are not scapegoats for water quality issues that we are all responsible for.

The strength of agriculture contributes to the strength of our nation. America's farmers remain among the most dedicated and productive contributors to our economy. However, they contribute much more to our society. They are shining examples of how Americans should live and they embody the ideals, values and spirit that is America.