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What’s the first thing you think of when someone says "Cincinnati?" Probably not agriculture, huh?

It may surprise you to learn that agricultural operations in Hamilton County contribute about $8 billion to the local economy each year – no small potatoes.

A special event marking agriculture’s contribution to southwest Ohio was held in Cincinnati in mid-November during Farm-City Week, which ended Thanksgiving Day.

"We wanted to help create an awareness with community leaders in this urban setting about agriculture and its contributions to the economy," according to Melissa Jacobs, metropolitan program coordinator for Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF).

About 30 people, including local business and industry leaders, county commissioners, legislators, the county auditor and agriculture operators attended. Another topic discussed was biotechnology and agriculture and how it impacts communities. Guest speaker for the event was John C. "Jack" Fisher, OFBF executive vice president.

Agricultural economic contribution to the Cincinnati area is produced by 675 businesses that employ 95,000 in Hamilton County. Statewide, agriculture contributes more than $73 billion in output and employs more than 1 million people.

Hamilton County’s agriculture is more specialized as more than 80 percent of the production in the county is in nursery and horticultural products.

"This was a great way to celebrate Farm-City Week," Jacobs said. "We were able to have farmers talking directly with these urban elected officials about how important agriculture is to this metropolitan area. I think everyone was able to see how much we depend on each other."