IV 
109TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. CON. RES. 482 
Expressing the sense of Congress that public policy should continue to protect 
and strengthen the ability of farmers and ranchers to join together 
in cooperative self-help efforts. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
SEPTEMBER 26, 2006 
Mr. GRAVES (for himself, Mr. POMEROY, Mr. PETERSON of Minnesota, Ms. 
KAPTUR, Mr. SKELTON, Mr. SALAZAR, Mr. KIND, Mr. HULSHOF, Mr. 
MCINTYRE, Mr. KENNEDY
of Minnesota, Mr. FORTENBERRY, Mr. 
LAHOOD, Mrs. EMERSON, Ms. HERSETH, Mr. CONAWAY, Mr. KUHL of 
New York, Mr. BONNER, Mr. NUNES, Mr. BERRY, Mr. SIMPSON, Mr. 
HIGGINS, Mr. ROSS, Mr. PUTNAM, Mr. CARDOZA, Mr. PENCE, Mr. 
HERGER, Mr. BOSWELL, Mr. MORAN of Kansas, Mr. NUSSLE, Mr. 
OSBORNE, Mr. THOMPSON of California, Mr. HASTINGS of Washington, 
Mr. HALL, Mr. LATHAM, Mr. COSTA, Mr. KLINE, Mr. EVANS, Mr. WAL-
DEN of Oregon, and Mr. UPTON) submitted the following concurrent reso-
lution; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture 
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 
Expressing the sense of Congress that public policy should 
continue to protect and strengthen the ability of farmers 
and ranchers to join together in cooperative self-help 
efforts. 
Whereas the ability of farmers and ranchers in the United 
States to join together in cooperative self-help efforts is 
vital to their continued economic viability; 
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•HCON 482 IH 
Whereas Federal laws have long recognized the importance of 
protecting and strengthening the ability of farmers and 
ranchers to join together in cooperative self-help efforts, 
including to cooperatively market their products, ensure 
access to competitive markets, and help achieve other im-
portant public policy goals; 
Whereas farmer- and rancher-owned cooperatives play an im-
portant role in helping farmers and ranchers improve 
their income from the marketplace, manage their risk, 
meet their credit and other input needs, and compete 
more effectively in a rapidly changing global economy; 
Whereas farmer- and rancher-owned cooperatives also play an 
important role in providing consumers in the United 
States and abroad with a dependable supply of safe, af-
fordable, high-quality food, fiber, and related products; 
Whereas farmer- and rancher-owned cooperatives also help 
meet the energy needs of the United States, including 
through the production and marketing of renewable fuels, 
such as ethanol and biodiesel; 
Whereas there are nearly 3,000 farmer- and rancher-owned 
cooperatives located throughout the United States with a 
combined membership representing a majority of the 
nearly 2 million farmers and ranchers in the United 
States; and 
Whereas farmer- and rancher-owned cooperatives also con-
tribute significantly to the economic well being of rural 
America as well as the overall economy, including ac-
counting for as many as 250,000 jobs: Now, therefore, be 
it 
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
concurring), That it is the sense of Congress that public 
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•HCON 482 IH 
policy should continue to protect and strengthen the abil-
ity of farmers and ranchers to join together in cooperative 
self-help efforts— 
(1) to improve their income from the market-
place and their economic well-being; 
(2) to capitalize on new market opportunities; 
and 
(3) to help meet the food and fiber needs of 
consumers, provide for increased energy production, 
promote rural development, maintain and create 
needed jobs, and contribute to a growing United 
States economy. 
Æ 
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