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.