SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 354

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the Texas A&M University--Kingsville Citrus Center for 60 years of outstanding service to our state; and

WHEREAS, The Texas A&M University--Kingsville Citrus Center began operation on July 1, 1948; through the years it has made many significant contributions to the growth of the citrus industry in Texas; and

WHEREAS, The center is best known throughout the industry as the birthplace of two dark red grapefruit varieties, the Star Ruby and the Rio Red; the Rio Red was instrumental in saving the Texas citrus industry following the devastating freeze of 1989, and the Star Ruby is now grown around the world; and

WHEREAS, The Texas A&M University--Kingsville Citrus Center has further served the industry through its development of methods and technology in the fields of pest and disease management, freeze protection, and environmental sustainability and responsibility; and

WHEREAS, The center is at the forefront of helping the citrus industry prepare for and deal with emerging issues like citrus greening disease; it is truly deserving of recognition for its exemplary work with this important sector of the Texas economy; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st Legislature, hereby commend the students, faculty, and staff of the Texas A&M University--Kingsville Citrus Center on 60 years of outstanding service to the citrus industry and extend to them best wishes for continued success as they continue their vital research and development efforts; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the center as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.

Lucio

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 3, 2009.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate