Americans need to understand the value of agriculture in their daily lives. Here are just some of the key reasons why it’s important to recognize—and celebrate— Ag Day each year: Increased knowledge of agriculture and nutrition allows individuals to make informed personal choices about diet and health.

Informed citizens will be able to participate in establishing the policies that will support a competitive agricultural industry in this country and abroad.

Employment opportunities exist across the board in agriculture. Career choices include:

• farm production

•agribusiness management and marketing • agricultural research and engineering

• food science

• processing and retailing

• banking • education

• landscape architecture

• urban planning

• energy

• and other fields.

Beginning in kindergarten and continuing through 12th grade, all students should receive some systematic instruction about agriculture.

Agriculture is too important a topic to be taught only to the small percentage of students considering careers in agriculture and pursuing vocational agricultural studies.

Agricultural literacy includes an understanding of agriculture’s history and current economic, social and environmental significance to all Americans. This understanding includes some knowledge of food, fiber and renewable resource production, processing and domestic and international marketing.