By Justin Walker

It’s been a long time coming. But it appears agriculture is important in Washington again.

President Donald Trump’s attendance at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2018 Annual Convention & IDEAg Trade Show proved that.

This administration is pushing for positive advancements in agriculture. We need that. The world needs that.

Because agriculture is a necessity.

It’s our foundation. It’s our future. And it’s our here and now.

If we look at history, and even today in many developing countries, the first business to take off is agriculture. It’s the backbone of a functioning and successful country.

That’s a big reason why universities are sending researchers, scientists and students to developing countries to help establish agriculture.

It shouldn’t stop there, though.

Agriculture will always have room to grow. New technologies continue to advance the way we farm.

Having the support of Washington is crucial. But we need everyone on board, too. Consumers, fellow farmers, culinary professionals and more play a role in agriculture.

And we need agriculture to be important everywhere—like in the classroom. We need our teachers to help dispel the myths of farming and ranching. Food labels that tell the truth. Grocery store workers who help shoppers make educated decisions.

Modern agriculture is our future. I’m glad it’s important again in Washington. And I hope it’s important to you, too.