And while agriculture has been a vital part of our heritage, it still ranks today as one of our largest and most productive industries an industry that also has an important and promising future . As a cooperative owned by the more than 321,000 farmer-members it serves in 25 states, we have contacts with producers throughout our service area. Food is fundamental. Food not only maintains life, it provides the basic requirements for a healthy, productive, creative society. Food scarcity is a threat to peace and stability in many countries today.
Agriculture reduces the trade deficit.
Farmland is a natural wastewater treatment system. Unpaved land allows the recharge of the ground water that urban residents need. Farms are stopovers for migratory birds. Farmers are stewards for 65 percent of non-federal lands and provide habitat for much of the nation s wildlife. An average U.S. farmer produces the food and fiber for 135 people.