IA

103D CONGRESS

2D SESSION H. J. RES. 317

To proclaim March 20, 1994, as ‘‘National Agriculture Day’’.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

FEBRUARY 3, 1994

Mr. DE LA GARZA (for himself and Mr. ROBERTS) introduced the following

joint resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Post Office and

Civil Service

JOINT RESOLUTION

To proclaim March 20, 1994, as ‘‘National Agriculture Day’’.

Whereas agriculture is the Nation’s largest and most basic

industry, and its associated production, processing, and

marketing segments together provide more jobs than any

other single industry;

Whereas the United States agricultural sector serves all

Americans by providing food, fiber, and other basic necessities of life;

Whereas the performance of the agricultural economy is vital

to maintaining the strength of our national economy, the

standard of living of our citizens, and our presence in the

world trade markets;
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Whereas the Nation’s heritage of family-owned, family-operated farms and ranches has been the core of the American agricultural system and continues to be the best

means for assuring the protection of our natural resources and the production of an adequate and affordable

supply of food and fiber for future generations of Americans;

Whereas the American agricultural system provides American

consumers with a stable supply of the highest quality

food and fiber for the lowest cost per capita in the world;

Whereas American agriculture continually seeks to maintain

and improve the high level of product quality and safety

expected by the consumer;

Whereas the public should be aware of the contributions of

all people—men and women—who are a part of American agriculture and its contributions to American life,

health, and prosperity;

Whereas women play a vital role in maintaining the family

farm system, both as sole operators and as working partners, and are also attaining important leadership roles

throughout the American agricultural system;

Whereas farmworkers are an indispensable part of the agricultural system as witnessed by their hard work and

dedication;

Whereas scientists and researchers play an integral part in

the agricultural system in their search for better and

more efficient ways to produce and process safe and nutritious agricultural products;

Whereas farmers and food processors are responding to the

desire of health-conscious American consumers by developing more health-oriented food products;
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Whereas distributors play an important role in transporting

agricultural products to retailers who in turn make the

products available to the consumer;

Whereas our youth—the future of our Nation—have become

involved through various organizations in increasing their

understanding and our understanding of the importance

of agriculture in today’s society;

Whereas it is important that all Americans should understand the role that agriculture plays in their lives and

well-being, whether they live in urban or rural areas; and

Whereas since 1973, the first day of spring has been celebrated as National Agriculture Day by farmers and

ranchers, commodity and farm organizations, cooperatives and agribusiness organizations, nonprofit and community organizations, other persons involved in the agricultural system, and Federal, State, and local governments: Now, therefore, be it

1 Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives

2 of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

3 That March 20, 1994, is proclaimed ‘‘National Agri4 culture Day’’, and the President is authorized and re5 quested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people

6 of the United States to observe this day with appropriate

7 ceremonies and activities during the week of March 14

8 through March 20.

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