Domino Effect of Agriculture Recognized by WIFE

March 21, 2003

Did you know that consumers in the United States of America spend approximately 9 percent of their income on food? This is minimal compared to consumers in South America who spend 27 percent on food. India spends 51 percent on food.

"In observance of the 30^th Anniversary National Ag Day we want to recognize the Americans involved in production agriculture," commented Fran Larrew, President of the Kiowa County Women Involved in Farm Economics Chapter. Larrew said, "We appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable food and fiber products."

WIFE members are wearing domino pins to signify the "domino effect" of drought and low commodity prices that has resulted in lack of profit for farmers and ranchers and the demise of rural communities and businesses that rely on agriculture. Agriculture is a major component of America’s economic foundation. Loss of agriculture values have a DOMINO effect on the infrastructure of agriculture, finance, education, rural communities, energy, rural health, conservation, rural economics, trade and food security.

The two percent sector of the national economy that is in the worst economic shape is production agriculture. There are more than 15 percent of the U.S. population empl9yed in farm or farm-related jobs.

"American consumers, not the American farmers, are being subsidized by a cheap food policy," added Larrew.

Women Involved in Farm Economics is a grass roots organization committed to improving profitability in production agriculture through educational, legislative, communicative and cooperative efforts.