We all know Thanksgiving as a time of year to stop and appreciate all the wonderful things in our lives. It’s a time to step back, recognize, and give thanks for all the people in our lives and everything else that brings us happiness. We also look forward to celebrating the day with an amazing feast, surrounded by love, laughter, and tasty foods. Thanksgiving dinner has to be one of the most anticipated meals of the year, or at least in my home, and a large part of that comes from one group of people: farmers.
Every Thanksgiving our tables are full of freshly harvested food to share with our friends, family and loved ones. If you have ever wondered where this abundance of delicious food comes from, you are not alone. According to a recent nationwide survey, 93 per cent of Canadians report that they know little or nothing about farming. The good news is though, that two thirds of those people want to know more.
And, as I mentioned earlier, it is important to appreciate and thank our farmers in Chatham-Kent for all of the hard work they do everyday so that we all have access to a variety of healthy, delicious and affordable food throughout the year.
Early mornings. Long days. Late nights. Rain, snow, sleet, shine, and most recently, flooding. And clocking in a 40-hour work week by Tuesday or Wednesday. This is the “9 to 5 job” for many of our agricultural producers in CK.
Over several decades, agriculture has changed to feed not only those who are actively involved in farming, but the rest of the world. In 1960, one farmer could feed 26 people which may seem like a lot. Today, one farmer feeds 155 people. Without our farmers, we would be one hungry community! This fact seems to put in perspective just how important our farmers are.
While the agriculture world continues to evolve and grow, one thing is for certain. Whether you choose to eat GMO, organic, gluten-free, Paleo, Keto or otherwise this Thanksgiving, you can be sure a farmer somewhere produced it for you.
We go to the store and carefully pick out each ingredient, forgetting about the feeding, processing, packaging and inspection that goes into everything we buy.
No matter if you grew up on a farm or in an urban area like yours truly, your Thanksgiving feast was grown by a farmer who has dedicated their life to bringing it to your table.
As you give thanks on Monday October 14th, don’t forget those who provide for us throughout the year. Thank a farmer.
God Bless,
Anthony
Remember that here in Chatham-Kent “We Grow for the World.” Check out our community agriculture website at wegrowfortheworld.com
Anthony Wilson is an Economic Development Officer with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, and can be reached at anthonyw@chatham-kent.ca
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