A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced a resolution, obtained exclusively by the Washington Reporter, that would designate March 24, 2026 as National Agriculture Day.
The resolution, which was introduced by Reps. Mark Alford (R., Mo.), Jim Costa (D., Calif.), and Adrian Smith (R., Neb.), also recognizes the importance of agriculture as one of America’s most important industries.
“Our farmers and ranchers around the clock all year to feed, clothe, and fuel the world,” Alford explained. “This industry has been recognized on National Agriculture Day for decades, and we’re proud to play our part to ensure our agriculture community continues to receive this honor. Agriculture is the cornerstone of communities across Missouri and all of America. I’m pleased to partner with Congressmen Costa and Smith to get our farmers and ranchers the recognition they deserve.”
Costa, who co-led the move with Alford and Smith, added that “agriculture is the backbone of our nation, and the hardworking farmers, ranchers, dairymen, and women of the San Joaquin Valley, and across the country deserve our recognition and support every day.”
“National Agriculture Day reminds us that food security is a national security issue,” Costa continued. “Our farmers feed much of the world, strengthen our economy, and protect our country. As a third-generation farmer, I am proud to stand with my colleagues in celebrating their essential role in sustaining our communities and our nation.”
Smith, who represents nearly 65,000 square miles of Nebraska’s sprawling 3rd District, said that “on National Agriculture Day we celebrate and show our gratitude to America’s ag producers for their continued efforts to feed, fuel, and clothe our nation and the world. The agriculture industry is the backbone of the economy in communities throughout rural America, including those in Nebraska’s Third District which leads the country in agricultural production. Today, I am proud to partner with Congressmen Alford and Costa to recognize the essential role farmers and ranchers continue to play in America’s success.”
Lawmakers of both parties, alongside President Donald Trump, have made commemorating agriculture and America’s farmers major priorities in recent weeks. The Reporter previously covered how Trump will unveil his latest “pro-farmer” policies built around National Agriculture Day.
Joining Reps. Alford, Costa, and Smith in introducing the legislation are Reps. Rob Bresnahan (R., Pa.), Juan Ciscomani (R., Ariz.), David Rouzer (R., N.C.), Andrea Salinas (D., Ore.), Pete Sessions (R., Texas), Gabe Evans (R., Colo.), Julia Letlow (R., La.), Rick Crawford (R. Ark.), Daniel Webster (R., Fla.), Randy Feenstra (R., Iowa), Zach Nunn (R., Iowa), Austin Scott (R., Ga.), Andy Harris (R., Md.), Tracey Mann (R., Kansas), Brad Finstad (R., Minn.), Mary Miller (R., Ill.), Angie Craig (D., Minn.), and Robert Aderholt (R., Ala.).
Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R., Wis.) recently wrote an op-ed in the Reporter about how in his home state of Wisconsin, every week is Agriculture Week.
