1-1 1 1-2 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 216 1-3 WHEREAS, Texas rice farmers play a vital role in the 1-4 agricultural production of the state and of the country, and 1-5 their outstanding success in growing this crop is indeed worthy 1-6 of special recognition; and 1-7 WHEREAS, Rice is the staple grain for two-thirds of the 1-8 world's people, and its dietary importance for the expanding 1-9 populations of many Third World countries cannot be overemphasized; 1-10 and 1-11 WHEREAS, Intense research and development in rice technology 1-12 has resulted in making rice one of the most land-efficient and 1-13 cost-efficient crops grown and has given American rice farmers 1-14 some of the highest yields per acre in the world; and 1-15 WHEREAS, The United States is one of the largest exporters 1-16 of this crop, sending shipments to more than 100 countries and 1-17 supplying about 15 percent of the rice produced for world trade; 1-18 and 1-19 WHEREAS, Texas is a key producer in this country's rice 1-20 industry, growing over 1.6 billion pounds of the more than 20 1-21 billion pounds harvested in the United States annually; and 1-22 WHEREAS, A $2 billion a year cash crop, rice ranks as the 1-23 fifth most valuable food crop in the nation, and its cultivation 2-1 supports a significant number of farmers and millers in Texas 2-2 and in other states; and 2-3 WHEREAS, In addition to their contribution to the state and 2-4 national economy, Texas rice farms represent a key element in the 2-5 enhancement of habitat for waterfowl such as ducks, geese, swans, 2-6 and cranes; and 2-7 WHEREAS, Rice is prized for its nutritional value and 2-8 its economical cost, and it is one of this country's leading 2-9 agricultural products; the Texans who grow rice are to be commended 2-10 for work that makes such a positive impact, both at home and 2-11 abroad; now, therefore, be it 2-12 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 2-13 77th Legislature, hereby recognize February 13, 2001, as Texas 2-14 Rice Day at the State Capitol and extend sincere best wishes 2-15 to all Texans involved in the production of this important crop. 2-16 Bernsen, Armbrister, 2-17 Brown, Jackson 2-18 ______________________________ _______________________________ 2-19 Member, Texas Senate Member, Texas Senate 2-20 ______________________________ _______________________________ 2-21 Member, Texas Senate Member, Texas Senate 2-22 _______________________________ 2-23 President of the Senate 2-24 I hereby certify that the 2-25 above Resolution was adopted by 2-26 the Senate on February 13, 2001. 2-27 _______________________________ 2-28 Secretary of the Senate