81R18690 JNC-D

By: Gonzalez Toureilles H.R. No. 1146

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Texas farmers and ranchers play an important role in the lives of people worldwide; and

WHEREAS, Facing ever-increasing challenges, agricultural producers continue to fulfill an enduring legacy, ensuring that people everywhere have an abundant, reliable, and affordable supply of food, natural fiber, and other agricultural products; and

WHEREAS, Agriculture is the second-largest resource-based industry in Texas, generating more than $103 billion for the economy in 2007 and providing employment for one out of every seven Texans; and

WHEREAS, Texas leads other states in the production of cotton, cattle, sheep, goats, wool, mohair, hay, and biodiesel; it is the second-largest agricultural producer in the nation, and it ranks third in the United States in exports, with more than $5 billion earned in 2007; and

WHEREAS, In addition to being the fifth-largest wine producing state in the nation, Texas is a key producer of olives, with an estimated 250 tons harvested in 2008; and

WHEREAS, Agriculture also plays a major role in water conservation, rural economic development, global trade, and the preservation of the environment; and

WHEREAS, This vital industry continues to meet the basic needs of the world for food and clothing, while also contributing to the manufacture of such useful everyday goods as laundry detergent and toothpaste, and it is additionally the source of leading advancements in medicine, biotechnology, and food safety; and

WHEREAS, The people of this state owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude to Texas farmers and ranchers for all they contribute to the health and well-being of all our citizens, and a special day to honor the Texas agriculture industry is most fitting; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature hereby recognize April 2, 2009, as Agriculture Day in Texas and extend best wishes to all those involved in agricultural production in the state.