By act of proclamation, the Pike County Chamber of Commerce and the Farm-City Committee recognize today, March 25, 2014, as National Agriculture Day in Pike County.

The Pike County Chamber and Farm-City Committee are also celebrating the merger of the National Farm-City Committee with the Agricultural Council of America on this, the 41st Anniversary of National Ag Day.

The two organizations share a common goal of promoting the positive story of agriculture and educating Americans about the importance of American agriculture, said Kathy Sauer, Chamber president. She added that the merger is of special importance to the Chamber and its members.

“The Pike County Farm-City Committee is one of the Chamber’s most active committees,” she said. “This merger is an opportunity for us to be a part of something even bigger. It gives us the opportunity to recognize and appreciate two of the most important agricultural seasons – spring planting and the fall harvest season.”

Sauer said the 41st anniversary of National Ag Day will be celebrated across the United States with the theme “Agriculture: 365 Sunrises and 7 billion Mouths To Feed.

“Farming provides jobs for our local economy but, most importantly, it protects our nation by ensuring our citizens have the healthy food needed to live a prosperous life,” she said.

Pike County has 709 farms and 179,377 acres of farmland and 305,496 aces of timberland.

“According to a study released by the Auburn Extension Systems, Pike County’s agricultural, forestry and related industries generated 4,138 full- and part-time jobs, representing 23.3 percent of the county’s total workforce in 2013,” Sauer said.

The study also showed the total impact of agriculture, forestry and related industries was $539.1 million, which was 19.8 percent of the total economic activity.

“The Chamber and its members are delighted to be joining others across the nation in celebrating our very first combined National Ag and week,” Sauer said. “We encourage all Pike County citizens to take time this week to recognize those in agriculture and the agricultural industry. After all, if you ate today, you have a farmer to thank.”