Commissioner to recognize past, present and future of Texas agriculture

AUSTIN — Agriculture is important to Texas 52 weeks a year, but National Agriculture Week is the time set aside each spring to honor the hardworking individuals in our nation’s food and fiber industry.

"This week is a time to recognize the incredible impact agriculture has on our daily lives. The food we eat, the clothes we wear, the flowers we offer on Mother's Day and now the fuel we put in our vehicles are all rooted in one industry - agriculture," Commissioner Todd Staples said.

March 16-22 is National Agriculture Week and the perfect time to educate Texans about the major contributions agriculture provides to the Texas economy. The agricultural industry surpasses $100 billion in economic impact for the state.  

From the Pineywoods to the Panhandle, Texas is one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the nation.  Agriculture is the state’s second largest industry and employs about one out of every seven working Texans.  Eighty percent of the state’s land is in some form of agricultural production.

On Thursday, March 20, National Agriculture Day, Commissioner Staples will honor the past, present and future of Texas agriculture. The Commissioner will visit the town of Pecos where ranchers held Texas’ first rodeo. He will join the citizens of Ballinger during their Ag Day celebration and talk about what agriculture means today. Plus Commissioner Staples will look into the future by touring a farm in Marfa where owners are using hydroponics techniques to grow tomatoes.

“Agriculture has always been about discovering and inventing new ways to produce the finest food, fiber and fuel. Because of their commitment and their love of agriculture, Texas farmers and ranchers will continue to do what they do best - produce quality products to meet a growing global demand,” Commissioner Staples said.