CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE—
2003–2004 REGULAR SESSION
House Resolution
No. 44
Introduced by
Assembly Member
Matthews, Maldonado
(Coauthor(s):
Assembly Member
Berg, Cogdill, Maddox, Maze, Oropeza, Parra, Reyes, Salinas, Vargas, Wiggins)
|
February 26, 2004 |
Relative to National Agriculture Week and National Agriculture Day.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
HR 44, as introduced, Matthews.
Digest Key
WHEREAS, March 20, 2004, is National Agriculture Day, a day set aside to honor the men and women of agriculture, and to promote an understanding of America’s agricultural industry; and
WHEREAS, California’s agricultural production fuels the state’s economy and helps feed the nation and the world; and
WHEREAS, California agriculture provides a vital infrastructure that aids in the exclusion and early detection of plant and animal pests and diseases that impact our human health, commerce, and environment; and
WHEREAS, For approximately 56 consecutive years, California has been the number one agricultural state in the nation, producing more than 350 crop and livestock products and accounting for 50 percent of the nation’s supply of fruits, vegetables, and nuts; and
WHEREAS, The tireless efforts of approximately 800,000 farm workers have contributed greatly to the success of the agricultural industry; and
WHEREAS, With less than 1 percent of California’s 33 million people engaged in farming and ranching, each agricultural worker today provides for more than 100 other people, compared to just 13 in 1947; and
WHEREAS, Today’s agricultural industry offers over 200 challenging and rewarding career opportunities, from on-farm cultivation, to food science and engineering; and
WHEREAS, Over the past 5 decades, advances in production agriculture have resulted in a drop of consumer spending on food consumption from 24 percent of disposable income in 1949 to approximately 9 percent today; and
WHEREAS, California is the nation’s leader in agricultural exports, annually shipping more than 6.5 billion dollars worth of food and agricultural commodities to countries ranging from Europe to Asia, and from Africa to Latin America; and
WHEREAS, California’s agricultural industry builds on centuries of progress by constantly seeking to incorporate the latest scientific and technological production and marketing techniques to meet the demands of changing consumer needs and complex world markets; and
WHEREAS, Programs are continually being developed to improve quality and ensure safe handling practices on the farm, in transit, and during processing; and
WHEREAS, A broad approach to agricultural education is vital to ensure that California agriculture continues to flourish; and
WHEREAS, The California 5 A Day For Better Health Campaign, launched in 1988, was the precursor for the National 5 A Day Program, which spreads the message that healthy eating through the consumption of fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer by as much as 30 percent; and
WHEREAS, As our national and global population grows, it is important to recognize the vital role that agriculture plays in our daily lives; and
WHEREAS, It is appropriate for all Californians to recognize our farmers, farmworkers, and others involved in providing such a bounty to our nation and the entire world; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, That it takes great pleasure in honoring the men and women of California agriculture for their dedication and productivity by observing the week of March 14 to March 20, 2004, as National Agriculture Week and Saturday, March 20, 2004, as National Agriculture Day; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly shall transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.