LEAVENWORTH – Today at JET Produce and Meats, a family-owned farm in Leavenworth, Governor Laura Kelly proclaimed March “Kansas Agriculture Month” to highlight the ag industry’s importance for local communities across the state.
“Farmers and ranchers have a partner in my administration – not just in March, but year-round,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I am forever grateful to the hardworking women and men in the Ag industry for fueling our economy and feeding the world.”
Agriculture contributes nearly $80 billion to the Kansas economy and contributes nearly 240,000 jobs – 12% of the state’s workforce. In 2022, Kansas produced more than $5 billion in agricultural exports, the most in state history.
“As the world population grows and projections show that food needs will double by 2050, we know that Kansas agriculture will play an increasingly important role in producing the food, fuel, and fiber to sustain that population,” Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam said. “I appreciate the skills, knowledge, and perseverance of the farmers, ranchers, and all those who are part of the Kansas agriculture community.”
JET Produce and Meats started as a small family farm in 2012 and has expanded over the years from sales at farmers markets into the introduction of a fully operated farm store. In addition to what is grown on the farm, the store features products from other area farmers and businesses.