[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 38 (Wednesday, February 26, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H1194]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING NATIONAL FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA WEEK

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
North Carolina (Ms. Foxx) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize National 
Future Farmers of America Week. Without question, the hardworking men 
and women in the field of agriculture serve as the backbone of our 
Nation.
  Since its founding in 1917, the Future Farmers of America has 
prepared the next generation of chemists, veterinarians, entrepreneurs, 
and premier agriculture professionals. These individuals will go on to 
solve the world's challenge of providing resources to growing 
populations.
  In North Carolina, the Future Farmers of America continues to grow. 
Last year, it had over 20,000 members, and its 321 chapters contributed 
more than 1 million service hours across the State. When you see these 
young people in their dark blue jackets with the gold trim, you are 
seeing leaders and patriots.
  By learning to do, doing to learn, earning to live, and living to 
serve, the Future Farmers of America ensure that our Nation's 
agricultural future remains bright.
  Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss if I did not address imprudent 
comments about our Nation's farmers that were recently brought to 
light. At an Oxford University event in 2016, Michael Bloomberg offered 
commentary that was truly unsettling. He said: ``I could teach anybody, 
even people in this room, to be a farmer. It's a process. You dig a 
hole; you put a seed in; you put dirt on top, add water, and up comes 
the corn.''
  When you write off America's farmers, you write off the lifeblood of 
our country. To show you the impact of our farmers, we will look at the 
facts in just a moment.
  Contrary to the idea, as Michael Bloomberg said, that farming is so 
simple, the truth is that farmers must be among the most intelligent, 
innovative, and creative people in the world. They face challenges 
every day that threaten their survival.
  Now, let's look at the facts:
  Annually, one U.S. farm will feed 166 people in the U.S. and abroad;
  In 2018, $139 billion of American agricultural products were exported 
around the world;
  Ninety-eight percent of U.S. farms are operated by hardworking 
families; and
  About 11 percent of U.S. farmers are serving or have served in the 
military, compared to only 2 percent of the general public, showing 
that American farmers are very patriotic.
  These facts speak for themselves. The work of American farmers goes 
far beyond Michael Bloomberg's claim of simply digging holes, planting 
seeds, and adding water.
  I am proud to represent over 7,000 farms and over 11,000 agricultural 
producers in the Fifth District of North Carolina. Collectively, they 
generate over $1 billion every year and represent almost 10 percent of 
North Carolina's agriculture sales.
  Recently, Alleghany County honored some of its farmers, young and 
old, and to hear of their efforts and dedication would inspire anyone. 
I commend and thank our farmers and our future agricultural leaders for 
their unwavering commitment to our families, communities, and to our 
country.

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