FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, NOV. 20, 2009

At Thanksgiving, thank a farmer

RALEIGH — As North Carolina families plan their upcoming Thanksgiving dinner, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler would like them to remember the people who help make it possible: farmers.

“Chances are pretty good that when you sit down for your Thanksgiving meal, you'll be enjoying some food produced right here in North Carolina,” Troxler said. “One out of every seven turkeys cooked at Thanksgiving will come from North Carolina. We also supply enough pork products for one out of every four families in America, and one out of every 13 eggs comes from North Carolina.”

In recognition of farmers’ contributions to the state and nation, Gov. Bev Perdue has proclaimed Friday, Nov. 20, as “Thank a Farmer Day.”

 “As consumers, we all have a lot to be thankful for when it comes to our agricultural community,” Troxler said. “We are fortunate to live in an agriculture-rich state that produces so many different commodities. Our farmers also contribute mightily to our state’s $70 billion agribusiness industry, which plays a critical role in our state’s economy.

“The holiday season is the perfect time to support our farmers by visiting farmers markets or looking for N.C. foods at the grocery store.”

-bal-2