President Trump acknowledged the “tremendous work ethic, ingenuity, determination, and perseverance that define generations of American farmers” in issuing a proclamation for National Ag Day, which is March 20, the first day of spring.

Trump’s proclamation cites key economic data in the proclamation:

Trump pointed out what he has done to help American farmers.

“To help the American agricultural economy succeed in an increasingly competitive global market, I signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the largest tax cut and reform legislation in American history,” he said in the proclamation.  “This legislation is providing much needed relief to America’s farmers, who can now expense 100% of their capital investments, including expenditures for farm equipment, over the next 4 years.  Additionally, under this new legislation, the vast majority of family farms will now be exempt from the death tax.”

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue spoke about National Ag Day.

“For the past 45 years, National Ag Day has played a key role in helping people understand where their food and fiber comes from and how important agriculture is to our national economy,” Perdue said. “Our farmers, ranchers, foresters, and producers in America are feeding and clothing the world – and it’s important to never forget that. I am thrilled that we have a day, really a whole week, where we can celebrate the bounty of the American harvest.” 

National Farmers Union weighed in too.

Family-run farming operations make up 99% of America’s 2.1 million farms of 89% of agricultural production, NFU says. 

“National Ag Day provides a special opportunity to highlight family farm agriculture and why it is of vital importance to our communities and to our country,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “Americans have access to an abundance of safe and affordable food when we visit the grocery store because of the daily sacrifices of family farmers and ranchers. When we stop by the gas station, we’re paying less for gasoline because of biofuels grown by family farmers. Nearly half of our nation’s land is taken care of by family farmers, and our waterways and ecosystems benefit from their stewardship. Whether you’re from a rural town, a big city, or somewhere in between, you benefit economically, environmentally, and socially from family farm agriculture.” 

Source: USDA, White House, NFU