NORWICH – Even though there are no longer farms in the City of Norwich, Mayor Joseph Maiurano officially recognized the industry Tuesday on National Agriculture Day, giving a proclamation of its importance in not only rural, but all parts of the country as well.

“It’s a special way of life that has always been a major part of this county,” Maiurano said. “It’s been important to the City of Norwich in the past, and it is still important now.”

March 18-24 also marks National Ag Week and Maiurano, as well as state Assemblyman Cliff Crouch (R-Guilford), gave separate proclamations from the city and the state legislature to adopt Tuesday as the official agriculture celebration locally. In doing so, the two officials also cited the Chenango County Farm Bureau for its efforts in promoting area agriculture.

“These proclamations are recognizing the industry for what it’s done and what it’s doing,” said Farm Bureau President Bradd Vickers, explaining that farming has expanded its reach. “And in agriculture, we’ve gone from producing quality food and fiber to producing energy as well.”

Vickers and other members of the farm bureau are working in conjunction with that organizations “25 x 25” program, which aims to have agriculture – through utilizing waste products and fuel crops – producing 25 percent of the nation’s energy by 2025.