Texas Agriculture Hits The Mark With Cupid's Arrow This Valentine’s Day (2/12/2015)

AUSTIN – Americans are expected to spend nearly $19 billion on Valentine’s Day gifts and activities this year. That breaks down to $130.97 per person. None of this would be possible without Texas agriculture. Whatever you are planning for your loved one this Valentine’s Day, there’s a good chance that agriculture will be at the center of your celebration.

“If it wasn't for agriculture, Cupid’s arrow would miss the mark this Valentine’s Day,” said Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller. “When you treat your valentine to candy, flowers or dinner out, you are depending on agriculture to make it the perfect occasion. On Valentine’s Day and every day, it’s clear Texas agriculture matters in each of our lives.”   

Here are the top five ways Texas agriculture will help love prevail on Cupid’s big day:

• It is estimated 40 percent of the world’s almonds and 20 percent of the world’s peanuts are used to create candy for Valentine’s Day alone. Here in Texas, we produce nearly 500 million pounds of peanuts a year.

• Planning to treat yourself to some milk and cookies this Valentine’s Day? Texas has you covered. The Lone Star State is a leading dairy producer, making enough milk each year to fill the massive AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, more than five times.

• Men account for 73 percent of Valentine's Day flower sales. Luckily, Texas growers are there to deliver the right flowers to make an impression. Texas horticulture is big business and has a statewide economic impact of $15 billion a year.

• Many Valentine's Day dinners will begin with a clink of two wine glasses. Let Texas wine set the perfect mood for the evening. Texas is the fifth-largest wine producing state in the nation and currently home to 337 wineries.

• Considered a natural aphrodisiac, oysters are high in zinc with a reputation for being great for love and fertility. The Texas Gulf is known around the world for its oysters. Most of the oysters being eaten on the East and West Coasts are from Texas. The Lone Star State ships out three-quarters of its oyster crop to the right and left coasts.

When your Valentine’s Day turns out just as you had hoped, remember to thank Texas farmers and ranchers for making all your valentine’s dreams come true.