SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Nicole Parra (D-Hanford) welcomes the residents of the State of California to join her in honoring the farmers, farm workers and other countless individuals involved in the agricultural industry by celebrating March 25, 2008 as California Agriculture Day.

California is the number one agricultural state in the nation and produces the most diverse products in the world, with over 350 crops and commodities.  From only 3% of the nation's farmland, California supplies more than half of the domestic supply of fruits, vegetables and nuts, and 20% is shipped around the world.  California's farmers also lead the world in technological innovation by utilizing the latest advances in science and food safety technology.  Additionally, the industry is continually developing programs to improve the safety and quality of our food.

"This year, we will be focusing on agricultural policy that will aid Americans in reducing their dependence on oil.  There are technologies available that can help us attain these goals by utilizing agricultural crops, and I'm excited to be a part of that solution," said Assemblymember Parra.  

Ethanol accounts for the largest industrial use of any commodity crop nationwide.  Biodiesel made from soybeans is another of many renewable fuels that can contribute to a cleaner environment, reduce pollution and reliance on foreign oil, and contribute to the stability of a rural farming economy.

Modern farming methods enable farmers to produce 42,000 pounds of strawberries, or 8,900 pounds of corn on just one acre – roughly the size of a football field.  Not only does this help consumers keep the cost of their food low (American consumers spend the lowest percentage of their annual income on food – 10%), but it demonstrates that farmers continue to be good stewards of their land.

"Our agricultural industry has invested time, energy and resources to learn how to improve farming, particularly in California, in order to bring the consumer the safest and most environmentally friendly products available," added Parra.

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