40 / 116
ag r i cu l t ur e i ndus t r y
by
Jen Alexander
F
ood is fuel, and our nation’s
farmers and ranchers continue
working to fuel the nation—and
in some cases other nations—
despite wild weather, wacky
economics and global politics.
U.S. food consumption in 2013
totaled 635 billion pounds, and 81
percent of that food was produced
domestically.The 19 percent of food
that was imported either cannot
grow in the U.S. or is less expensive
to produce overseas, according to
the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
To support America’s appetite
while also being cognizant
of evolving attitudes toward
production processes, many
farmers and ranchers are
exploring more sustainable,
humane ways to raise crops
and livestock for consumption.
Free-range, grass-fed and
organic are just a few of the
labels making their way onto
items in grocery stores and
farmers markets nationwide.
Ag organizations know the
power and benefits of using
promotional products to
increase consumer interest and
consumption. The Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania-based Mid-Atlantic
Dairy Association, for example,
offers promotional items for free
to the farmers and promotions
committees in its service area to
help boost dairy promotion efforts.
Of course, agriculture is more
than just farming and ranching
these days. Prospects can be found
working in animal husbandry,
production and processing,
agritourism, biofuels, farm credit
banking, equipment and ancillary
goods, and ag education.
Plant Seeds Of
Promotional Success
Help ag-related
businesses grow with
well-crafted campaigns
38
|
NOVEMBER 2016
|
GROW