Designating the year of 2014 as the International Year of Family Farming.

Designating the year of 2014 as the International Year of Family Farming Whereas United Nations Resolution A/Res/66/222, adopted by the General Assembly on December 22, 2011, designates the year 2014 as the International Year of Family Farming Whereas the International Year of Family Farming recognizes the important contribution of family farming in food security and eradicating poverty around the world; Whereas in the United States, family farms constitute 96 percent of all farms; Whereas the agriculture sector contributes more than $130,000,000,000 to the United States economy, employs approximately 14 percent of the total workforce in the United States, and accounts for nearly 5 percent of the United States gross domestic product; Whereas 45 percent of individuals around the world make a living directly by farming; Whereas family farming is the predominant form of agriculture in both developing and developed countries; Whereas family farming serves as a means of organizing agricultural, forestry, fishery, pastoral, and aquaculture production; Whereas family farming plays important socioeconomic, environmental, and cultural roles; Whereas family farmers grow high-quality food, are active participants in civil society, and are stewards of the land; Whereas 75 percent of the poorest individuals around the world live in rural areas; Whereas family farms are linked to most areas of rural development and have invested significantly in local communities; Whereas the majority of farmers around the world are women who produce up to 80 percent of food around the world; and Whereas 870,000,000 individuals are suffering from chronic undernourishment and a disproportionate number of such individuals are farmers: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates the year 2014 as the International Year of Family Farming (2) congratulates family farmers in the United States and around the world; (3) recognizes the vital role family farms play in the economic and social well-being of the United States and the world; (4) recognizes the importance of raising the profile of family farming by focusing the attention of individuals around the world on the significant role of family farming in alleviating hunger and poverty, providing food security and nutrition, improving livelihoods, managing natural resources, protecting the environment, and achieving sustainable development in rural areas; (5) encourages countries, national organizations, and States to undertake activities to support the International Year of Family Farming; (6) recognizes the role and importance of women in family farming; (7) emphasizes the positive impact of family farms and developing new programs for domestic and international family agricultural development; and (8) advocates for the protection of the viability of family farms, which serve as the foundation of rural society and social stability.

Summary: Designates the year 2014 as the International Year of Family Farming, congratulates family farmers, recognizes the role they play in the economic and social well-being of the United States and the world, and advocates for the protection of the viability of family farms.