[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 33 (Wednesday, March 20, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2178-S2179]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       NATIONAL AGRICULTURE WEEK

 Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, Secretary of Agriculture Veneman 
has proclaimed this to be ``National Agriculture Week.'' In this 
spirit, I rise today to recognize the countless and immeasurable 
contributions of hard-

[[Page S2179]]

working farm families across the country who throughout our nation's 
history have worked relentlessly to ensure the food security of our 
nation and to eliminate hunger around the world.
  Some of my colleagues may believe I sound like a broken record when 
it comes to my advocacy for the nation's mid-section and its hard-
working food producers. But I like to remind them about an old saying: 
``We're only nine meals away from a revolution.'' In other words, empty 
stomachs can prompt a traditionally law-abiding populace to mob 
hysteria and mayhem. A stable food supply brings social stability.
  For seven decades the Federal Government has recognized the 
importance of maintaining a farm safety net to ensure America's 
homegrown food security. The tragic event of September 11 underscored 
the significant responsibilities the Federal Government must undertake 
to protect our national security interests at home and abroad.
  Safeguarding the American public and shielding the U.S. economy, 
transportation infrastructure, health care delivery systems, energy 
supplies, natural resources and production agriculture from the threats 
of 21st century terrorism have become Washington's top priority. This 
effort must include a farm safety net that works to ensure our farmers 
and ranchers are able to continue feeding America by making a decent 
living off the land. Otherwise, American consumers could well find 
themselves at the mercy of foreign suppliers at the grocery store much 
like we are today at the gas station.
  We must not forget our nation's long agrarian heritage. In 1790, 
ninety percent of the nation's labor force were farmers--feeding a 
population of only 4 million.
  Today, with less than 2 percent of our population actively engaged in 
agriculture, our nation's family farmers feed a U.S. population of 265 
million, along with millions of others around the world.
  The contributions of the agriculture industry on our economy are 
many. Agriculture is the largest positive contributor to our nation's 
balance of trade. Last year, American farmers exported $53 billion 
worth of commodities. The State of Iowa alone exported more than $3 
billion worth of corn, soybeans, live animals, and red meats.
  Moreover, according to the Department of Agriculture, each dollar 
from agricultural exports generates another $1.47 in additional 
economic activity. Twenty-four million Americans depend on agriculture 
for their livelihoods.
  Despite the enormous contributions of farming to our country, today, 
fewer and fewer people have direct ties to life on the farm, and fewer 
still depend solely on farming for their livelihood. Technological 
efficiencies and mechanical advances on today's farm require less labor 
to produce more food. While fewer hands may be needed on the farmplace, 
new opportunities exist in food production and value-added agriculture 
to keep future generations of Iowans productive contributors in the 
food chain.
  In conclusion, farming has come a long way over the last 100 years. 
The horse-drawn plow has turned into a tractor-drawn, fully-
computerized farm implement. In the next 100 years, farmers will again 
serve as pioneers in newly-tilled fields of emerging technologies.
  The world's food producers will not only feed the world but expand 
their traditional contribution to humanity as advances in agricultural 
sciences allow raw food to carry health, disease-resistant benefits for 
consumers.
  Whatever the future may hold, I will keep my nose to the grindstone 
in Washington to help Iowa's century farms and farm families enjoy 
another 100 years of prosperity.

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