R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, Texas rice farmers play a vital role in the 1-2 agricultural production of the state and of the country, and their 1-3 outstanding success in growing this crop is indeed worthy of 1-4 special recognition; and 1-5 WHEREAS, Rice is the staple grain for two-thirds of the 1-6 world's people, and its dietary importance for the expanding 1-7 populations of many Third World countries cannot be overemphasized; 1-8 and 1-9 WHEREAS, Intense research and development in rice technology 1-10 has resulted in making rice one of the most land-efficient and 1-11 cost-efficient crops grown and has given American rice farmers some 1-12 of the highest yields per acre in the world; and 1-13 WHEREAS, The United States is one of the largest exporters of 1-14 this crop, sending shipments to more than 100 countries and 1-15 supplying about 15 percent of the rice produced for world trade; 1-16 and 1-17 WHEREAS, Texas is a key producer in this country's rice 1-18 industry, growing over 1.6 billion pounds of the more than 20 1-19 billion pounds harvested in the United States annually; and 1-20 WHEREAS, A $2 billion a year cash crop, rice ranks as the 1-21 fifth most valuable food crop in the nation, and its cultivation 1-22 supports a significant number of farmers and millers in Texas and 1-23 in other states; and 1-24 WHEREAS, In addition to their contribution to the state and 2-1 national economy, Texas rice farms represent a key element in the 2-2 enhancement of habitat for waterfowl such as ducks, geese, swans, 2-3 and cranes; and 2-4 WHEREAS, Rice is prized for its nutritional value and its 2-5 economical cost, and it is one of this country's leading 2-6 agricultural products; the Texans who grow rice are to be commended 2-7 for work that makes such a positive impact, both at home and 2-8 abroad; now, therefore, be it 2-9 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas 2-10 Legislature hereby recognize February 13, 2001, as Texas Rice Day 2-11 at the State Capitol and extend sincere best wishes to all Texans 2-12 involved in the production of this important crop. Cook Bonnen Callegari Deshotel Eiland Howard Kolkhorst Lewis of Orange Morrison Olivo Ritter Uher Zbranek _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 206 was adopted by the House on February 13, 2001, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House