Lt. Gov. Coleman Joins NLGA Colleagues To Recognize Agriculture

Resolution highlights impact American agriculture has on the world

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 8, 2026) - Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, along with co-sponsors Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith, Iowa Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer, Louisiana Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser and South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, passed a resolution recognizing American agriculture and its impact on the world at a recent National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA) meeting.

"Agriculture is a foundational industry in Kentucky and America," said Lt. Gov. Coleman, who will become chair of NLGA in July. "I believe, now more than ever, our farmers need to know their elected leaders stand with them and are working toward solutions that will help them in today's challenging environment."

The resolution seeks to raise awareness among Americans on the significant contributions the agriculture industry has when it comes to our economy, job creation and more.

According to Feeding the Economy, the American impact from agriculture is immense. Agriculture accounts for more than 48 million jobs, $3 trillion in wages and more than $177 billion in exports. According to Kentucky Agriculture Works, Kentucky is home to nearly 70,000 farms. Of those, 97% are family-owned, with an average size of 179 acres. These farms account for nearly $50 billion annually in economic impact. Just under half of Kentucky's land is considered farmland.

Like many Kentuckians, agriculture is a way of life for Lt. Gov. Coleman. She grew up on her family's farm in Burgin and has used her position as lieutenant governor to bolster the agriculture industry. Along with Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell and Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher, Lt. Gov. Coleman created Kentucky's "All in for Agriculture Education Week" to increase exposure to agriculture education to all elementary schools in Kentucky. This innovative program provides hands-on lessons, immersive experiences and community engagement that bring agriculture, food and standards-based learning into every subject.

"Our farming families face unique challenges that will have an impact not only in Kentucky, but the world. We know the farming population in Kentucky is aging and farmland is shrinking," Lt. Gov. Coleman said. "Kentucky feeds the world, so it is incumbent upon all of us to work together to provide greater exposure to agriculture, and the vast array of careers it encompasses, to elementary students across the commonwealth."

NLGA, organized in 1962, is the professional association for the elected officials first in line of succession to the governors in the 50 states and five U.S. territories. The purpose of NLGA is to promote the efficiency and effectiveness of the office of lieutenant governor and the official second-in-command, to foster interstate cooperation, to provide a medium for the exchange of views and experiences on subjects important to the people of the states and territories and to generally improve the efficiency of state and territorial administration.

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