November 1, 2006
Farm-City Week Emphasizes The Value Of The Urban-Rural Partnership
Autumn is a time of optimism for Florida farmers as they prepare to harvest their winter crops to feed the nation. Fall also brings the annual Farm-City Week, which will be observed November 17-23, and Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson is urging Floridians to take the opportunity to reflect on the interdependence of farmers, consumers and all those whose efforts make Florida’s agricultural system work.
“Every year, Farm-City Week reminds us all -- rural and urban residents alike -- that we live and work together in the same environment and depend on each other,” Bronson said.
Farm-City Week -- started by the National Farm-City Council and promoted nationally by the American Farm Bureau -- is observed the seven days leading up to and including Thanksgiving. Under the theme “Partners in Progress,” Farm-City Week salutes all those who work as part of the complex network that brings food from the field to the table. These “Partners in Progress” include farmers and ranchers, researchers, processors, brokers, truckers and shippers, advertisers, wholesalers and retailers. This network results in numerous benefits to society by providing an abundance and variety of food as well as products used to make clothing, housing, medicines, and countless other items used daily.
“The key is the interdependence among those who produce the products, those who consume the products, and all those in the production and marketing chain between the producer and consumer,” said Bronson. “These vital farm-city partnerships -- with rural and urban communities working together -- have made the most of our rich agricultural resources, and they continue to contribute to our health and well being and to the strength of our economy.”
Bronson also urged Floridians to visit their local community farmers’ markets during the fall and winter to enjoy fresh Florida fruits and vegetables at the peak of freshness and wholesomeness.
Shopping at farmers’ markets is a growing trend in Florida, and the number of farmers’ markets in the state has doubled in the last 10 years. More than 70 community farmers’ markets are listed with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Half of Florida’s 67 counties have farmers’ markets.
“The increasing popularity of farmers’ markets is due to a couple of factors,” Bronson said. “As people have become more health-conscious, there’s a growing demand for fresh, high-quality produce. And what could be more healthful than produce that’s grown locally, often just minutes away from your home?”
People who shop at farmers’ markets enjoy fresh, wholesome produce throughout the growing season, while helping to keep small farms viable. There are also less obvious benefits: buying locally grown food conserves energy and other natural resources, reduces air and water pollution, preserves green space, and helps build a stronger, more close-knit community.
“There tends to be a social aspect to the markets,” Bronson said. “The historic ties between farmer and consumer are restored.”
Florida’s 44,000 commercial farmers grow more than 280 different crops. Year round, Florida ranks No. 2 nationally in the U.S. production of fresh vegetables. Florida provides 80 percent of the fresh vegetables grown in the United States during January, February and March of each year. Florida agriculture has an estimated overall economic impact of more than $87 billion annually.
For a list of community farmers’ markets and contact information, visit:
www.florida-agriculture.com/consumers/farmers_markets.htm.
For an overview of Florida’s agriculture industry, visit:
www.florida-agriculture.com/agfacts.htm
For a report about the economic impact of Florida agriculture, visit:
www.florida-agriculture.com/economic_impact.htm
For more information:
Terence McElroy
(850) 488-3022
mcelrot@doacs.state.fl.us
