TOPEKA, Kan. – Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback and leaders of the Kansas Agriculture industry gathered in the Kansas State Capital to recognize the importance of agriculture in our everyday lives and to express gratitude for the donations to the 2014 Neighbor to Neighbor statewide food drive.

Gov. Brownback noted that agriculture is the largest driver of the Kansas economy, contributing more than $35 billion dollars, or 25 percent of the state’s economy.  “Kansas farm and ranch families work tirelessly day after day to feed their fellow Kansans and others around the world,” Gov. Brownback said. “I am proud to celebrate farm and ranch families today, on National Agriculture Day, thank you for your diligent hard work.”

Barb Downey, cattle rancher from Wabaunsee County and chairman of the Kansas Beef Council noted the pride farmers and ranchers take in the job they do each and every day.

“In agriculture, we accept the charge of producing our crops and livestock in the best, most efficient and responsible way possible.  We do that to make sure Kansans and consumers around the world have a safe, wholesome, nutritious and affordable food supply,” Downey noted.  “My family and all Kansas farm and ranch families will continue to work hard to meet the growing demands of an increasing world population.  We’ll do this with improved production practices and the development of technology and we eagerly accept the task of providing high-quality and nutritious food that is more affordable for all.”

The Neighbor to Neighbor statewide food drive is a cooperative effort between the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Dillon’s, Harvester’s Community Food Network, Kansas Food Bank, Second Harvest Community Food Bank and many of the Kansas agriculture organizations. Food will be collected through the end of March with the goal of raising 100,000 meals for Kansans in need.

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