And, I Quote

In 1862, when President Abraham Lincoln signed into law the act of congress that established the Department of Agriculture, he commented, "...no other human occupation opens so wide a field for the agreeable combination of labor with cultivated thought, as agriculture." (Mr. Lincoln Rose)

At that point, the political process started its big engine and has been plowing our fields ever since.  Some regulations, subsidies, departments and heads of committees have benefited agriculture and some not so much.

“Cultivators are the most valuable citizens…they are tied to their country.” – President Thomas Jefferson

Because I live in an agriculturally based community, my families are farmers and I have a lifelong love of gardening; I tend to read the issues surrounding agriculture with interest.  Seldom does on issue have a clear black and white solution or explanation. 

“Our farmers deserve praise, not condemnation; and their efficiency should be cause for gratitude, not something for which they are penalized.” – President John F. Kennedy

It’s the largest self interest group with the most money that typically turns the political vote.  Listen to two people at a coffee klatch and you will find two polar opposite opinions and both sure they are right.  What the listener can begin to notice, sometimes opinions are based on the publicity advocating a position for their own agenda. 

 “In no other country do so few people produce so much food, to feed so many, at such reasonable prices.” – President Dwight D. Eisenhower  (Twinleaf (Thomas) Jeffersonia diphyllia) 

Some really huge agricultural issues revolve around chemical use, genetically engineered seed, global warming, growth hormones, import/export and habitat loss.  All are tied to profit and loss and concern big business as-well-as each of us.  

"Agriculture, manufactures, commerce and navigation, the four pillars of our prosperity, are the most thriving when left most free to individual enterprise."  President Thomas Jefferson

Make no mistake, what happens in agriculture affects our own gardens and our own families.  Harm and success in agriculture will affect the entire global citizenship.   

“Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you’re a thousand miles from the corn field.” – President Dwight D. Eisenhower

We’ve all bought and used products that were later proved harmful.  We’ve all had to change some of our work practices.  When you buy or sell garden and agricultural products, make informed decisions.  When you hear a claim about a product, read the whole story.  If change is necessary, do your best to make those changes.

(President Ronald Reagan daylily)  from www.franksmithdaylilies.com  

“It will not be doubted that with reference either to individual or national welfare, agriculture is of primary importance.” – President George Washington

To our gardeners and farmers who lead the way making tending our soil an honorable vocation, let me say, “Thank you.”  Our Presidents honor you and so do I!