The Scioto County Farm Bureau presented the Scioto County Commissioners with gift baskets on Thursday, and announced March 15-21 to be National Agriculture Week.

“We are the bright star in the economy right now,” Loretta McClure, Scioto County Farm Bureau president, said of the agriculture industry.

Kim Harless, Scioto County Farm Bureau organizational director, described Farm Bureau as a non-profit organization which lobbies for landowners and property rights, and a voice in the legislature. The bureau also has educational fundraisers for kids, such as its annual Ag Day in May.

“You don’t have to be a farmer to be a member of the Farm Bureau. For people who aren’t farmers, there are other benefits for them as well,” Harless said.

There are currently about 1,300 Farm Bureau members in Scioto County.

Harless said the bureau was presenting gift baskets to the Scioto County Commissioners in appreciation of their support for their organization. Inside the baskets was fresh baked bread, canned green beans, homemade jelly, and homemade apple butter — all home grown and homemade in Scioto County.

“We support the Farm Bureau because it’s a very proactive organization for the agricultural community in Scioto County, which is a very important part of our economy,” Commissioner Tom Reiser said.

Fellow Commissioner Mike Crabtree said he spent a few years working with the Farm Bureau before he entered the Army, and appreciates its close knit community of members.

After having been presented with their gift baskets, the commissioners said they enjoy receiving them each year.

“They’re always good, and believe me, they’re used,” Commissioner Skip Riffe said.

Harless said the Scioto County Farm Bureau is in its membership campaign now, and invited anyone who would like to be a member to contact their Farm Bureau office in Jackson, at (740) 286-4598.

RYAN SCOTT OTTNEY can be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 235.