CHARLESTON, W.Va. – In celebration of National Agriculture Day, Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt released the following statement:

“Today we should recognize and say thanks to all that feed the world. This year’s National Agriculture Day is even more special as the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of our local food systems. In the early days of the pandemic, the people of the United States rushed to stock up on supplies. This created a national bottle neck within the food system which created shortages across the country. Local farmers, meat processors and farmers’ markets stepped up to fill nutritional gaps and ensured good health for our citizens. For everything our farmers do, we say thank you.”

March 23 marks National Agriculture Day, a time when producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, government agencies and countless others across America gather to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by agriculture.

“Moving forward, federal and local governments need to work towards supporting agricultural operations of all sizes. We must inspire the next generation of producers to create a resiliency within our food systems. It’s vital to the future and health of our citizens we find more ways to grow agriculture in the United States and the Mountain State.”

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture protects plant, animal and human health through a variety of scientific, regulatory and consumer protection programs. The Commissioner of Agriculture is one of six statewide elected officials who sits on the Board of Public Works.