WASHINGTON, DC – President Donald J. Trump has issued a proclamation celebrating March 21, 2017 as National Agriculture Day.

“America’s farmers and ranchers help feed the world, fuel our Nation’s economy, and lead global markets in output and productivity. The efficiency of American agriculture has provided this country with abundance our ancestors could not have imagined,” the proclamation reads. “We are proud of American agriculture and we recognize agriculture’s critical role to our Nation’s bright future. American farmers and ranchers are the heart and soul of America and they represent the determined, self-reliant character of our Nation.”  

Agriculture is a major economic driver in North Carolina, contributing $84 billion to the state’s economy each year and supporting more than 600,000 North Carolina jobs. Pork is one of the state’s leading agriculture industries.

“We are grateful for President Trump’s continued support of American farmers,” said Andy Curliss, CEO of the N.C. Pork Council. “This is another clear indication of his strong interest in agriculture, and North Carolina hog farmers appreciate the recognition of our contributions helping feed the world and grow our economy.”

The proclamation emphasizes the agriculture industry’s contributions to the economy and the importance of agriculture exports. “As my Administration fights for better trade deals, agriculture will be an important consideration so that its significant contributions will only increase in the years ahead,” the proclamation states.  

About the N.C. Pork Council

The N.C. Pork Council supports and promotes the state’s pork industry. North Carolina is the nation’s second leading pork producer, with more than 2,100 permitted hog farms that raise 8.8 million hogs annually. Pork is one of the North Carolina’s largest and most important agricultural industries, contributing $11 billion a year to the state’s economy.