Filed under: Ethanol, Legislation and Policy
We all know how popular ethanol is among most U.S. politicians these days, so tomorrow could be quite the party in D.C. as political and industry representatives celebrate National Agriculture Day 2007. This year, the day is subtitled, "A Salute to American Agriculture" and "Convergence of Food and Fuel." The
Archer Daniels Midland Company, representatives of which will be present in D.C., says the day is "designed to highlight the scope of American agriculture, an industry that puts food on our tables and fuel in our cars."
How effectively those farmer provide this fuel is a matter of constant debate. All I know is that politicians who gather on the 15th of March should
watch their back.
Related:
[Source: Archer Daniels Midland Company]
A Salute to American Agriculture: National Agriculture Day 2007 Focuses on 'Convergence of Food and Fuel'Washington, D.C. Events Celebrate Vital, Dynamic Industry
WASHINGTON, March 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Representing more than 22 million people who work in the nation's agriculture industry, hundreds of Americans will convene in Washington, D.C. on March 15 to celebrate National Agriculture Day 2007. Secretary Mike Johanns, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Chairman Collin Peterson, of the House Committee on Agriculture, will join farmers, Congressional leaders, representatives of corporations such as Archer Daniels Midland Company and John Deere, and others to raise awareness of the essential, dynamic role of agriculture in the world economy. This year's Agriculture Day theme -- "Convergence of Food and Fuel" -- is designed to highlight the scope of American agriculture, an industry that puts food on our tables and fuel in our cars.
To kick off Ag Day, Secretary Johanns and Rep. Peterson will speak at a luncheon at the National Press Club about how American agriculture is rising to the challenge of producing both food and renewable fuels. Improving technology on the farm and along the processing chain is helping meet the growing demand for crops used to produce renewable biofuels, animal feeds, foods and food ingredients. Orion Samuelson, one of the nation's most distinguished farm broadcasters, will serve as master of ceremonies.
The day will also feature an FFA rally at the USDA's Whitten Building, attracting high school students and dignitaries from across the country. Secretary Johanns will again be on hand to address the crowd, about the future of renewable energy and agriculture in America. Also scheduled to attend are Beau Williamson, National FFA President; Greg Webb, Vice President-ADM Public Affairs and 2007 National FFA Foundation Sponsors' Board; and Bob Dinneen, President, Renewable Fuels Association.
National Ag Day kicks off National Agriculture Week (March 18-24, 2007), and aims to raise awareness among Americans of the importance of U.S. agriculture in the stability of our economy, and in providing food and fuel to the world. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, each American farmer feeds more than 129 people around the globe. Moreover, in 2006, the U.S. ethanol industry contributed to America's economy by increasing gross domestic output by $41.1 billion dollars, and supporting the creation of more than 160,000 jobs*.
"ADM is honored to salute the American farmer and join in celebrating National Agriculture Day and National Agriculture Week," said Brian Peterson, ADM Senior Vice President-Corporate Affairs. "Farmers are some of ADM's most important partners. Together we bring the renewable bounty of the earth to markets around the world through the production of food, animal feed and biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel. American agriculture is the backbone of our nation's economy, and we express our appreciation for all who contribute to the U.S. ag industry."
"John Deere has been committed to the American farmer since 1837," said Doug DeVries, senior vice-president, agricultural marketing at John Deere. "Supporting the Agriculture Council of America and the Ag Day effort is a very effective way to help the public learn more about the important role the American farmer plays in their lives today."
* Ethanol industry data from the Renewable Fuels Association, "Ethanol Industry Outlook 2007"
About ADM
Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) is the world leader in BioEnergy and has a premier position in the agricultural processing value chain. ADM is one of the world's largest processors of soybeans, corn, wheat and cocoa. ADM is a leading manufacturer of biodiesel, ethanol, soybean oil and meal, corn sweeteners, flour and other value-added food and feed ingredients. Headquartered in Decatur, Illinois, ADM has over 26,000 employees, more than 240 processing plants and net sales for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 of $37 billion. Additional information can be found on ADM's Web site at http://www.admworld.com/ .
About John Deere
In 1837, John Deere founded the company that would come to bear his name. Incorporated as Deere & Company in 1868, it has grown from a one-man blacksmith shop into a worldwide corporation that today does business in more than 160 countries and employs approximately 46,000 people worldwide. It is one of the oldest industrial companies in the United States
About National Agriculture Day
National Agriculture Day celebrates the dedication of the men and women in American agriculture and offers an opportunity for Americans to re-discover the role agriculture plays in our everyday lives. Sponsored by the Agricultural Council of America, it's a day in which farmers, ranchers and other members of the country's agricultural industry are appreciated for producing and supplying food, clothing and other commodities nationwide and globally. The program encourages every American to understand how food and fiber products are produced, to value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy and to appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products. First celebrated in 1973, Ag Day has become a great way for America to recognize and celebrate the contribution of agriculture to our everyday lives.
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