By Swinford H.R. No. 561 77R9882 JKB-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, Farmers and ranchers in the Lone Star State provide 1-2 for the needs of their fellow citizens, continuing in the footsteps 1-3 of our forefathers by ensuring the abundant, reliable, and 1-4 affordable supply of food, fibers, and other agricultural products; 1-5 generations of farmers and ranchers have labored under the hot 1-6 Texas sun, building a foundation on which the state's flourishing 1-7 economy has developed; and 1-8 WHEREAS, The second largest industry in Texas, agriculture 1-9 generates $14 billion annually for the economy and provides one out 1-10 of every five Texas jobs; the state is a leader in the production 1-11 of cotton, cattle, sheep, goats, wool, mohair, and hay, exporting 1-12 nearly $2.5 billion in agricultural products each year; and 1-13 WHEREAS, Members of the agriculture industry also play a 1-14 major role in water conservation, rural economic development, 1-15 global trade, and environmental preservation; beyond provisions of 1-16 food and clothing, agriculture has also prompted significant 1-17 advancements in nutrition, medicine, biotechnology, and a host of 1-18 other essential fields; and 1-19 WHEREAS, Agriculture is a notable part of Texas history and a 1-20 critical part of our future and it is most appropriate to honor all 1-21 those involved in agricultural production; now, therefore, be it 1-22 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas 1-23 Legislature hereby recognize the week of March 18-24, 2001, as 1-24 National Agriculture Week in Texas and encourage the residents of 2-1 this state to pay tribute to the many dedicated producers in Texas 2-2 during this noteworthy event.