“Thank a Farmer” — on National Ag Day

Washington, D.C. — Uifa’atali Amata on National Ag Day yesterday thanked all those in American Samoa who grow and harvest the fresh island fruits and crops that we all enjoy.

“Happy National Agriculture Day to those making sure we have plenty of our delicious island favorites, and our fishermen, along with the thousands of farmers and ranchers in the United States who do their part to help feed much of the world,” she said. “We’ve been blessed to have food on our tables despite challenges from the pandemic. Right here in our beautiful islands we have daily access to fresh tropical fruits that much of the world sees as rare treats. These include coconuts, bananas, papayas, taro, breadfruit and sweet potatoes.

 “Additionally, farmers and ranchers from the US and New Zealand supply our imports such as rice and grains, meat and milk,” she concluded. “Finally, Congress appropriates yearly funds to USDA so they can fulfill their important role along with ASG in the nutrition supplement program that helps people buy necessary staple foods. Thank you to everyone who helps provide good, healthy food for our families.”

USDA FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE

USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) encourages every American to understand how food and fiber products are produced, value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy, and appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products.

 “National Ag Day provides us an annual opportunity to say “Thank You” to countless farmers and ranchers across the Western Region who work hard each day so that we have healthy and nutritious food on our plates,” said FNS Western Regional Administrator Jesus Mendoza, Jr. “Over the last year, the agriculture sector has stepped up to ensure we have a stable food supply in the face of incredible challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Farmers provide consumers with fresh, affordable, convenient, and healthy products. With support from USDA, farmers can offer customers the opportunity to make purchases with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); and the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program.

A top FNS priority for 2022 is continuing USDA’s focus on nutrition security, not just for the duration of the pandemic, but well into the future to make sure the many nutrition programs USDA offers are providing access to nutritious food for all those in need. FNS delivers science-based information and guidance that is pivotal in ensuring Americans have a nutritious, safe, affordable and abundant food supply. USDA will make full use of flexibilities to support governors, school districts, food banks and others while deploying food assistance to struggling families, seniors and people with disabilities.