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News
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National Agriculture Week 2011, Oregon style
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3/9/2011
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Article Content Suggested lead
Oregonians are encouraged to celebrate National Agriculture Week by thanking a farmer or rancher for their contribution to the state's economy and a family's dinner table: (NOTE: National Agriculture Week is March 13-19.)
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National Agriculture Week comes but once a year, but ag's contribution to every Oregonian takes place all year long. Oregon Department of Agriculture Director Katy Coba says it's time to salute the more than 38-thousand farmers and ranchers in the state who represent an industry linked to about 22-billion dollars in goods and services:
COBA: "And it's really a time for us all to, again, thank farmers and ranchers for what they produce. Also, I'd like to challenge Oregonians to take the opportunity to get to know agriculture better." :13
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Coba says agriculture is more than just growing the crop. There are many steps between the farm and the fork, each relying on hard work and expertise to satisfy Oregon consumers. She says people recognize that Oregon agriculture is amazing in several ways:
COBA: "We know it from polls that have been done. Oregonians support their farmers and ranchers. They want to keep them in business. They want this part of Oregon's culture and lifestyle to remain viable in Oregon. We need their help to do that." :15
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To show appreciation, Oregonians can continue to buy Oregon grown products and learn more about the industry. One good way to get educated is by talking to a producer at a farmers' market this spring and summer. In Salem, I'm Bruce Pokarney.
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COBA says one message during this special week is that agriculture is very much a part of Oregon's past, present, and future:
"It's a growing part of Oregon's economy, it's a growing part of the world's economy. Agriculture is not going away. And I think it's going to become more and more important as an economic engine as we look into the future." :12
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COBA says one point of emphasis in this year's National Agriculture Week is how many facets of the industry there are in addition to just growing the crop or raising the animal. For young people, that means future job possibilities in a variety of related fields:
"I would just encourage all Oregonians to not only thank your neighbor farmer and rancher for the food they produce, but think about encouraging our young people to get involved in agriculture- the variety of career opportunities that are available and supporting this magnificent industry that we have." :18
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Full story
http://oregon.gov/ODA/news/110309agweek.shtml |
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