Every single American has an interest in environmentally responsible agriculture. Because what farmers do upstream has an impact on cities downstream, and vice versa. From the mountain headwaters to the ports and city waterfronts below, it's all one and the same. Air pollution doesn't respect zoning boundaries. Contaminated water doesn't stop flowing when it reaches the county line.
Cities are, of course, the birthplace of civilization.
They are our financial capitals, our educational hubs, our centers of art and culture. We must do possible ensure that they are liveable and sustainable communities. But we can't do that without also protecting our rural land base, without promoting and encouraging the very best environmental practices on the farm. We cannot create ecological cities in a vacuum. Thank you very much.