COVENTRY – A diverse group of people gathered at The Silo Restaurant Tuesday to celebrate Chenango County’s largest industry: Agriculture.

“I think it’s important, particularly on a day like today, to show our gratitude to the many men and women who make agriculture possible,” said Rainy Collins-Vickers of the Chenango County Farm Bureau. The local ag advocacy group hosted the luncheon, held in honor of National Ag Day.

“That’s really what this day is all about,” she said, “recognizing the role of agriculture and celebrating it.”

This year’s theme was “Agriculture is Amazing,” celebrating the diversity of the agriculture industry. An industry which, according to CCFB President Bradd Vickers, is all too often overlooked or taken for granted despite its economic impact. While agriculture remains the largest industry in both Chenango County and New York State, family farmers represent only 2 percent of the state’s population.