Farmers' chief concern must be — and is — farming.

But more Butler County farmers should have taken an active interest in the proposal to showcase the county's agricultural industry than showed up for a brainstorming session Friday at Butler County Community College. Fewer than 10 of the county's 1,175 farms were represented at the discussion that also involved county tourism officials.

The discussion was not just about attracting tourists. A big part of the discussion centered on how to market county agricultural products as part of bringing visitors to the county.

Although Friday's discussion group was small, the session's optimism didn't reflect the limited attendance.

"We know there is a hunger for people to drive to the country and enjoy a nice, clean atmosphere," said Stephen Catt, community college director of development. "Our intent is to make Butler County their first thought.

He said the hope is to attract people from places such as Pittsburgh and Baltimore. But with local tourism officials promoting the county far beyond those two cities, giving farming more emphasis in brochures and by way of other advertising means could attract people from many other states.

In addition to the promotional efforts by county tourism officials, the idea has been hatched to form a committee to market the county. And, contacts with that committee could be a way for many more farmers to become involved in the farming-showcase venture.

Friday's discussion put forward the idea of combining what individual farms offer to provide a package of activities for tourists.

That's a good idea. Simply visiting one or two farms for an hour or two isn't going to attract visitors in the way the discussion group envisions.

Encouraging amid Friday's discussion and the brainstorming yet to come is the fact that the county tourism and convention bureau received a $140,000 state grant in November to in part support agriculture.

The county should seek to reap all of the benefits that its substantial agricutural landscape can provide. One of the first messages that has to get out is that Butler County is not a one- or two-crop county; the county produces a wide range of agricultural products. Thus, there is a lot to see and learn, and taste.

Wrapped up in their day-to-day farm chores, some farmers might be skeptical about the possibility for success of the proposed venture.

However, they should allow open-mindedness to replace that skepticism. Those involved in the initial discussion displayed commitment toward what they hope to accomplish, and that is a good foundation from which to begin.

But the effort cannot take big strides forward with fewer than 10 farms being actively involved in what is being proposed. It is to be hoped that the news about what occurred Friday will be a source for greater involvement in the months ahead.

Farming and tourism can work hand in hand to benefit the county and its economy.