Agriculture Council of America helps celebrate Ag Day on Capitol Hill

By Sara Wyant

© Copyright Agri-Pulse Communications, Inc.

Washington, March 18. Even though National Ag Day is not until Saturday, March 20, 2010, agriculturalists will be celebrating on Capitol Hill and across the countryside on Thursday. The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) coordinated a series of events designed to help others understand how food and fiber products are produced and appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products. It’s all part of National Ag Week (March 14-20, 2010).

Morning Coffee

The morning kicks off at USDA’s Whitten Building, where Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will join ag leaders for coffee and conversation. The coffee will take place at 8:00 a.m. on March 18 on the Whitten Patio of the USDA. The Secretary is confirmed and will speak briefly and the coffee will conclude by approximately 8:30 - 8:45 a.m.

Mix & Mingle Luncheon

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This is a standing luncheon and featured speakers include an Outstanding Young Farmer Honoree and national officers from AFA, FFA & 4-H. It’s scheduled from 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center.

National Ag Day Dinner & Cocktails

This is a sit down dinner with tickets (almost sold out) going for $100 per person at the
USDA Whitten Building Patio, Washington, D.C. The event is hosted by the Agriculture Council of America in recognition of Ag Week. The pork for the dinner will be donated by the National Pork Producers Council and will be prepared by Chef Mark Salter from the Inn at Perry Cabin.

Schedule:
5:00 p.m. – Doors Open Registration - cocktails
5:30 p.m. – Chairman Blanche Lincoln speaks
6:00 p.m. – Deputy Secretary Merrigan speaks
6:45 p.m. – Dinner begins

Throughout the day, Agri-Pulse will be covering these events and taking photos.

For more information, go to www.Agri-Pulse.com

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