As a nation, we enjoy an abundant and healthy food supply and as a state and community we are blessed to also have an abundance of fresh, locally grown food for our families.

As we look forward to the official arrival of spring on March 20 and with it, the beginning of a new growing season, it is a fitting time to recognize and celebrate this abundance that is made possible by our farmers.

As Americans we should all understand how our food, fiber, and renewable resource products are produced and appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant, and affordable food for our families. Agriculture plays an essential role in our nation’s economy, providing careers for future generations in farming and supporting industries.

This year’s Farm to Table celebration, formerly known as the Farm-City Banquet, has been renamed the Butler County Farm to Table Dinner. It will be held at 6 p.m. March 13 at the General Butler Vagabonds building in Lyndora. The dinner is co-sponsored by the agencies and businesses that serve the agricultural community in Butler County.

The evening offers an opportunity to bring together all segments of our community in recognition of the importance of agriculture.

The featured speaker will be John McMurry, a retired food science professional whose career spanned more than 42 years in research and development and quality assurance with the H.J. Heinz Company. During his career at Heinz he led numerous projects, primarily in the product areas of ketchup, condiments, and sauces. In his presentation “From Tomato Vine to Kitchen Table,” he will discuss tomato production, harvesting and processing, and use in tomato products such as ketchup as well as the Heinz tomato seed development program.

The evening also will include presentation of awards for the Butler County Conservation District and the announcement of the 2017 Bullshipper Award.

Reservations for the dinner are required and are being accepted at the Butler County Extension Office in Building 10 on the grounds of Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center until March 8. Tickets cost $15 per person. Call 724-287-4761 for additional information.

This material is submitted by Donna Zang, extension director, and the staff of the Penn State Extension office at the Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center complex.