A joint resolution to recognize the 125th anniversary of the United States Department of Agriculture.
PL 100-46 (H.J.Res.270), enacted 05/29/1987

101 STAT. 328 
PUBLIC LAW 100-46—MAY 29, 1987 
Public Law 100-46 
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100th Congress 
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Joint Resolution 
May 29, 1987 
To recognize the one hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary of the United States 
[H.J. Res. 270] 
Department of Agriculture. 
Whereas President Abraham Lincoln recognized the importance of 
the Nation's agricultural community by recommending the 
establishment of a Federal agriculture agency and subsequently 
signing the bill establishing the United States Department of 
Agriculture on May 15,1862; 
Whereas the importance of the United States farmer was further 
recognized by the adoption of the Homestead Act on May 20,1862, 
7 use 301 note. 
and the Land-Grant College Act on July 2,1862; 
Whereas the Department of Agriculture has worked with farmers to 
provide a steady supply of food to the people of the United States 
and those in less fortunate areas of the world; 
Whereas the Department of Agriculture, during the past century 
and a quarter, has facilitated the work of the world's foremost 
agricultural scientists to research and solve problems faced by 
United States farmers, discover and develop new and improved 
plant varieties, and assist farmers in achieving extraordinary 
gains in production yields and quality; 
Whereas the Department of Agriculture, through its extension 
activities, has reached homes and classrooms throughout the 
Nation to develop and foster an understanding, among the people 
and particularly the youth of the United States, of the virtues and 
importance of our agricultural heritage and future; 
Whereas the Department of Agriculture has invested resources and 
technology into the development of rural United States; 
Whereas the Department of Agriculture has worked with farmers 
and conservationists to preserve the Nation's fertile topsoils; 
Whereas the Department of Agriculture has acted to protect our 
borders from introduction of pests and diseases that might harm 
the health and well-being of the people and agricultural industries 
of the United States; 
Whereas the Department of Agriculture has endeavored to ensure 
that all the people of the United States have a safe and wholesome 
food supply and have the opportunity to receive nutritionally well-
balanced meals; 
Whereas the Department of Agriculture has sought to open and 
maintain foreign markets for United States agricultural goods 
and has represented United States farmers in foreign affairs; and 
Whereas the first Commissioner of Agriculture Isaac Newton stated 
in the first annual report to the President of the United States: "I 
hardly deem it necessary to attempt to convince our intelligent 
countrymen of the vast importance of such a department, 
inasmuch as whatever improves the condition and character of 
the farmer feeds the lifesprings of national character, wealth, and 
power", words that still ring true: Now, therefore, be it 
PUBLIC LAW 100-46—MAY 29, 1987 
101 STAT. 329 
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled, That it is the sense of 
Congress that the United States Department of Agriculture, on the 
event of its one hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary, be com-
mended for its outstanding contributions and wished a happy one 
hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary, and such anniversary be 
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commemorated by the agencies of the Federal Government and the 
citizens of the United States. 
SEC. 2. The President is authorized and requested to issue a 
proclamation commemorating the one hundred and twenty-fifth 
anniversary of the United States Department of Agriculture, and 
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the substantial contributions made by the Department of Agri- 
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culture to the well-being of the people of the United States. 
Approved May 29, 1987. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.J. Res. 270 (S.J. Res. 129): 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 133 (1987): 
May 8, considered and passed House. 
May 15, considered and passed Senate.