Consumers can appreciate the far-reaching impact of those producing the nation’s food, fuel and fiber any day of the year.
But during National Ag Week, March 16-22, farmers receive special recognition for their vital role.
According to the Agriculture Council of America, each American farmer feeds more than 165 people, compared to 25 people in the 1960s.
Agriculture impacts all of Virginia, which is home to around 39,000 farms spanning 7.3 million acres, according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture.
As the state’s largest private industry, agriculture has an economic impact of $82.3 billion annually and provides more than 381,800 jobs, according to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Agriculture and forestry have a combined economic impact of over $105 billion, provide more than 490,000 jobs, support 1.6 jobs elsewhere and make up 9.3 percent of the state’s total gross domestic product.
Production varies from beef cattle to wine grapes to apples and much more. ...