(Transcript of my speech to a Public Administration Communications course)
If someone asked you to name the leading economic industry in North Carolina, what would you say? Some of you may think of tourism, energy, or even military investment. But if you pull back the layers of the state economy, it is clear that at the core of our state is the industry of agriculture. From sweetpotatoes to greenhouse & nursery products, North Carolina produces a wide spectrum of products, many of which you use on a daily basis. But how much of an impact do you think this industry really makes on our State’s economy?
Proper understanding of agriculture and investment in research is essential to supporting the future of this state. The information I will share with you in this blog post comes from the 2011 North Carolina Agricultural Sector Report, Southeast Farm Press Magazine, and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services website.
The economic impact of agriculture & agribusiness in this state is enormous. Investment in agriculture research is key to supporting and growing this industry. Let us first look at the annual economic impact of agriculture in North Carolina.
In 2011, Agriculture/Food Industries, Natural Fiber Industries, and Forestry Industries combined to contribute $77 billion to the North Carolina economy which is 17.5% of the state gross domestic product. 642,000 citizens or 17% of North Carolina’s employees work in agriculture. With a diverse landscape and climate, North Carolina is a national leader in the production of tobacco, sweet potatoes, hogs, trout, poultry, Christmas trees, and much more.
As you can see, the economic impact of agriculture is great in North Carolina but leading the effort to support the industry is the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service or NCARS. NCARS supports the development and exploration of agricultural science. It is coordinated jointly by NC State University, NC A&T State University, and the NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services.
The service operates eighteen research stations throughout the State. Each research station has unique foci on crops, soils, animals, and biotechnology, which are essential to agriculture in individual areas of the state.
Through Cooperative Extension programs, developments in research and production practices are shared with agriculturalists to aide them in their businesses. Advancements such as navigation, crop management, and disease prevention, can be linked to investment in agriculture research. According to the NCDA&CS, for every dollar invested by the public into agriculture research, there is a $19 return on investment.
The industry of agriculture in North Carolina will continue to be a vital part of the economy. In 2013, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler stated “I believe that with agriculture research, North Carolina agriculture will grow from a $77 billion industry to a $100 billion industry.”
If you have not had much experience with the industry of agriculture in the past, explore connections in your local community. North Carolina State University is hosting AG DAY at Carter-Finley Stadium on September 28. Come out and support agriculture while supporting the Wolfpack football team! My generation must continue to keep the importance of agriculture in focus and continue our support of agriculture research for the future of North Carolina.
No comments:
Post a Comment