Adam Putnam, Commissioner of Agriculture
For just the second time in the past 100 years, the United States Department of Agriculture has an- nounced that the number of farmers under 35 years old has increased. As fewer and fewer
Americans are employed in agriculture, this small resur- gence in young people choosing agriculture as a career is great news. This next generation of agricultural leaders will carry the
torch as our world population grows to nearly 10 billion by 2050. They will be the bright minds that come up with so- lutions to some of our most pressing challenges, like citrus greening, producing more with less, protecting our natural resources and much more. And I firmly believe that fairs and livestock shows have played an important role in this resurgence of young farmers and ranchers choosing agriculture as a profession. Year in and year out, millions of residents
and visitors get a taste of Florida’s rich agri- cultural heritage at fairs and livestock shows scattered throughout the state. These events present unique opportunities for residents and visitors to learn more about Florida’s agriculture industry, its im- pact on the state’s economy, its role in feeding our nation and its potential as a career path. Having participated in fairs and livestock
shows as an exhibitor growing up, I can speak firsthand of how they are an excel- lent opportunity for communities to come together and cultivate tomorrow’s leaders while sharing the time-honored traditions of Florida agriculture. They are also a constant reminder of the jobs and food security that come from a strong agriculture industry. For all these reasons, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is a proud partner and supporter of Florida’s many fairs and livestock shows. The department is proud to help fund
awards and premiums for deserving youth exhibitors, an important piece in the devel- opment of tomorrow’s agricultural leaders, through 4-H and FFA. In addition, the de- partment works to grow the number of ag- riculture education facilities around the state. Specifically, the department helps fairs and livestock shows, local govern- ments and other entities apply for state
FAIRCRACKER-SPRING 2018 29
funding for the construction of agri- culture education and promotion facilities. During my time as Commissioner
of Agriculture, we’ve helped secure millions of dollars in funding in the state budget for facilities that will promote agriculture and educate Florida’s residents and visitors about its impact on our economy, culture and quality of life. Your organization has a daunting task ahead. In the next
30 years, Florida’s population will be nearing 30 million, and the need to tell the story of Florida agriculture will be greater than ever before. I believe deeply in what you are doing to tell the story of Florida agriculture’s past and fu- ture, and I have great confidence that you’re up to this challenge. Thank you for investing your blood, sweat and tears to
help advance agriculture in Florida and reconnect our com- munities with the land, and I hope this upcoming season is another record-setting year.
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