This is Agriculture Day in Chenango County.
A group of people from across the area gathered at the Silo Restaurant in Coventry to recognize hardworking farmers, their families and the heritage of agriculture in the area. Bradd Vickers is the President of the Chenango County Farm Bureau. He says the day is designed to reach out to consumers and remind them that without farms the high standard of American living would not be possible.
Vickers says, "Its important because so many consumers are not aware that there is a whole industry that produces our food. Contrary to popular belief it doesn't just show up in the back of a grocery store. While this country is willing to bail out the auto industry and the banking industry we are neglecting the food supply."
Vickers says a secure food supply is a matter of national security. Wednesday's guest speaker was Leann Green. She is the state secretary of Future Farmers of America. The organization focuses on training the next wave farmers. Green says, "It's more than just planting and harvesting. It's a science, its a business and its an art. So, it encompasses a lot of leadership now, not just farming."
FFA has programs in high schools that teach students farming skills through hands on experience.
