Lee County Board OKs resolution supporting agricultural development – Shaw Local News Network

Lee County Board Commits to Supporting and Promoting Agriculture

DIXON – In the midst of National Agriculture Week, the Lee County Board unanimously approved a resolution Thursday making a commitment to support and promote agriculture in the county.

Importance of National Agriculture Week

Ag Week, from March 16 to 22, is celebrated across the U.S. to raise awareness about the importance of agriculture while highlighting the industry’s contributions to the nation’s economy. The approved resolution acknowledges the large amount of farmed land in Lee County and its direct effect on the local economy.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. Goal 1: No Poverty
2. Goal 2: Zero Hunger
3. Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
4. Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
5. Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
6. Goal 13: Climate Action
7. Goal 15: Life on Land

Agriculture in Lee County

Lee County has a total of 829 farms covering 377,886 acres. The agriculture industry supports 3,325 jobs, which accounts for about 19% of all jobs in the county, according to the resolution that uses data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2022 census.

Testimonials from Future Farmers

“We are in support of the pro ag resolution and agriculture in Lee County,” Ashton Franklin Center FFA chapter member Elsie Viall told the board.

Elsie is an eighth grader at AFC. She wants to become a hog farmer and an ag teacher when she grows up.

“Agriculture has impacted my life in a lot of really good ways, and FFA in particular has helped a lot with leadership,” AFC FFA Vice President Kate Viall said.

Benefits of Agriculture in Lee County

• Supports the food security of residents
• Creates additional jobs generating economic growth
• Farmland is a limited resource vital to agriculture and the economic well-being of the county

Support from Lee County Farm Bureau

The Lee County Farm Bureau, a nonprofit organization based in Amboy, sponsored the resolution and passed out pro-agriculture pins to board members after the meeting.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger

   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists, and fishers, including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets, and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment.
   • Indicator 2.3.1: Volume of production per labor unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size.

2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services.
   • Indicator 8.3.1: Proportion of informal employment in non-agriculture employment, by sex.

3. SDG 15: Life on Land

   • Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
   • Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

The article highlights the importance of agriculture in Lee County and its impact on the local economy. Based on the content of the article, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger

The article mentions the large amount of farmed land in Lee County and its direct effect on the local economy. This connects to SDG 2, which aims to achieve zero hunger and ensure access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food for all people. The specific target under this SDG that can be identified is Target 2.3, which focuses on doubling the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers. The indicator that can be used to measure progress towards this target is Indicator 2.3.1, which measures the volume of production per labor unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size.

2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The article mentions that the agriculture industry in Lee County supports 3,325 jobs, which accounts for about 19% of all jobs in the county. This relates to SDG 8, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. The specific target under this SDG that can be identified is Target 8.3, which focuses on promoting development-oriented policies that support decent job creation and entrepreneurship. The indicator that can be used to measure progress towards this target is Indicator 8.3.1, which measures the proportion of informal employment in non-agriculture employment, by sex.

3. SDG 15: Life on Land

The article acknowledges the importance of farmland as a limited resource vital to agriculture and the economic well-being of Lee County. This aligns with SDG 15, which aims to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss. The specific target under this SDG that can be identified is Target 15.1, which focuses on ensuring the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. The indicator that can be used to measure progress towards this target is Indicator 15.1.1, which measures the forest area as a proportion of total land area.

Source: shawlocal.com