Nov. 16-22 is National Farm-City Week, which is used to remind Americans that both rural and urban America depend upon each other. Farmers produce foodstuffs purchased by urban consumers. Because of the great job those farmers do, city dwellers can work outside of agriculture.

What would Franklin County look like without farmers? Would there be any open spaces? How much of the county would be developed? Would there be any farmers’ markets? Could locally grown/raised fruits, vegetables, meat or dairy products be purchased? Could snowmobile clubs operate their trail systems? Would hunters and fishermen have fewer options available to them?

If those images are disturbing, people can help preserve farming by purchasing local foods whenever possible, or by buying only American food products. Only 10 percent of a person’s disposable income is spent on food.

Please support local agriculture.

Pamela Harnden, Dryden,

President, Franklin County Farm Bureau