There aren’t as many farmers and ranchers serving in Colorado’s citizen legislature as there once were. Which is probably why the state’s ag producers and rural communities are making all the more of an effort to stay on lawmakers’ radar. They’ll get their chance, and make their stand, March 22 during Agriculture Day at the Capitol.

Organized by the Colorado Agriculture Council, the annual event is a heckuva shindig – and a grand food fest. Hey, these guys really know how to appeal to lawmakers no matter what part of the state they’re from – by talking to their taste buds.

The day’s feature attraction: Fourteen local chefs will team up with various lawmakers and ag representatives in a cook-off competition of Colorado-grown foods. Lunch will be served around 11 a.m.

Here’s more from an Ag Council press release:

The Colorado ag event at the State Capitol has become one of the most popular events under the Golden Dome – attended by about 1,000 people, including the governor, state legislators, farmers, ranchers and many others.

Each year, the event showcases all that Colorado’s ag industry does for our state, highlighting its efforts in feeding Colorado’s 5 million-plus people, its stewardship of our resources, and its $40 billion economic impact – a top two or three contributor to the state’s economy each year.

The event also recognizes the ag industry’s incredible generosity to those in need, as Colorado producers continue to be some of the biggest supporters of the state’s food banks. In 2017, the ag industry’s product and monetary contributions to Colorado’s five Feeding America food banks totaled up to $23.2 million.

And if that doesn’t whet your appetite, this Ag Council video will:

Producers, the public and media are all invited to attend the event, which takes place as part of National Agriculture Week.