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