OKEECHOBEE — Farm-City Week will be celebrated this year from Nov. 16 through Nov. 23. It is a week to express appreciation for the beneficial partnerships between rural and urban communities. Farmers and ranchers rely on essential partnerships with urban communities to supply, sell and deliver finished products across the country and around the world. Consumer purchases, in turn, make sustainable farm enterprise possible. Foods, fibers and renewable fuels are available to us because of the daily relationships among farmers and ranchers, processors, brokers, truckers, shippers, advertisers, wholesalers and retailers. The collective efforts by these members of our society provide a wholesome diet for everyone. In addition, farms and ranches conserve freshwater resources, wildlife habitat and greenspace.

The 28th Annual Farm-City Luncheon & Agri-Expo will recognize the contributions of Farm-City relationships to Florida’s quality of life. Here in Okeechobee County, agricultural industries include beef, dairy, poultry, and row crops just to name a few. The allied industries that support agriculture such as equipment sales and repair, and financial institutions also play an integral role in the success of Okeechobee’s ag-based economy.

The Farm-City Luncheon celebrates those industries and our youth 4-H and FFA members who will be the next agriculture industry leaders. The event will be held at the Okeechobee County Agri-Civic Center on State Road 710, Thursday, Nov. 17, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets are just $15 and can be purchased from Kiwanis Club members, at Farm Bureau or the Extension Office, or at the door the day of the event.