150 years of agriculture

If you ask any American where he or she can find the best wild blueberries, potatoes, and maple syrup in the country, there is only one correct answer: Maine. Of all the American success stories during our nation’s history, few match the significance and impact of the evolution of our national agricultural industry. We began as a nation of farmers, and farmers continue to build and sustain our nation. As the top food-producing state in New England, much of Maine’s success can be traced back to our nation’s agriculture industry.
Last week marked the 150th anniversary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). At the time of its creation, President Abraham Lincoln directed the new federal agency to seek new information through “practical and scientific experiments” as well as to collect and propagate to the nation‘s agriculturists “new and valuable seeds and plants.”
In a few months we will also celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Morrill Act, which established land-grant universities across the nation, created to help prepare students in the “agriculture and mechanic arts.” 147 years after its foundation, Maine’s only land and sea grant institution, the University of Maine in Orono, continues to lead the nation in agricultural research that yields important results.
Today, one out of every 12 Americans is employed in an agriculture-related industry, and all of Maine’s 8,000 farms help consumers enjoy a safe and abundant food supply. Today, Americans spend less than 10 percent of their total income on food, the lowest percentage in the history of the world. By comparison, most European consumers spend more than double that amount, and, in developing countries, the percentage is often higher than 50 percent.
This success has been produced by the good, honest, hard work of our nation’s agriculture producers. Their efficiency would not be possible without the science and biotechnology that have advanced the agricultural industry. We must continue this scientific effort. We must continue to develop better seeds that produce larger yields. We must develop crops which use less water and are resistant to pests. We must maintain agriculture’s economic success and our competitive advantage.
But the USDA isn’t just dedicated to making sure that our farmers can grow the best potatoes in the nation – they are also committed to ensuring that our communities can support and expand new technologies and opportunities while continuing to support farms and the life we celebrate in rural parts of our state. Just this past February, I helped to welcome USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Dallas Tonsager to Bangor for a “Rural Roundtable” discussion on how we can support and grow our local rural economies.
During the spring 2008 flood of the St. John River, USDA Rural Development provided funds to help rebuild damaged infrastructure. Whether helping to explore the agricultural technologies for tomorrow or making our rural communities a better place, the USDA continues to make a positive impact in the lives of all Mainers.
It is with great pride and respect that I honor the USDA and our nation’s agriculture industry this week. Maine’s farmers are the stewards of more than one million acres and have developed a diverse agricultural industry with over a billion dollar impact on Maine’s economy. Our producers remain a critical source of jobs and innovation. I salute our farmers and the agriculture industry’s commitment to science. I know that with our support the industry will continue to use biotechnology to feed the nation and the world. I am pleased to honor Maine’s farmers and ranchers, and extend birthday wishes to USDA.