S 1141 Concurrent Resolution, By Waldrep and Grooms
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANT ROLE THAT AGRICULTURE PLAYS
 IN THE DAILY LIVES OF EVERY AMERICAN AND, IN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THE FUTURE
 PROGRESS AND PROSPERITY OF THE NATION'S ECONOMY AND FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF
 GREATER APPRECIATION OF FARMERS AND RANCHERS ACROSS THE NATION, PROCLAIM THE
 WEEK OF MARCH 17-23, 2002, AS NATIONAL AGRICULTURE WEEK AND RECOGNIZE MARCH
 20, 2002, AS NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DAY IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

   03/20/02  Senate Introduced SJ-8
   03/20/02  Senate Referred to Committee on Agriculture and Natural
                     Resources SJ-8

TO RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANT ROLE THAT AGRICULTURE PLAYS IN THE DAILY LIVES OF EVERY AMERICAN AND, IN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THE FUTURE PROGRESS AND PROSPERITY OF THE NATION'S ECONOMY AND FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF GREATER APPRECIATION OF FARMERS AND RANCHERS ACROSS THE NATION, PROCLAIM THE WEEK OF MARCH 17-23, 2002, AS NATIONAL AGRICULTURE WEEK AND RECOGNIZE MARCH 20, 2002, AS NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DAY IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

Whereas, this great nation recognizes the contribution of men and women of agriculture; and

Whereas, we seek to promote an understanding of America's agricultural industry; and

Whereas, American agriculture helps feed the world, fuels our nation's economy, and is the largest positive contributor to our nation's net trade balance; and

Whereas, the United States exports about one-fifth of its agricultural production, with agricultural exports reaching $53 billion in 2001 and expected to rise in 2002, and each farming export dollar generates another $1.47 in support activities; and

Whereas, agricultural exports inject nearly $130 billion into the national economy and support jobs for three-quarters of a million Americans; and

Whereas, agriculture provides 24 million jobs throughout the farm and food industry, including farmers, farm workers, scientists, processors, shippers, and retailers; and

Whereas, the stewardship of America's farmers and ranchers ensures a sustainable resource base for future generations; and

Whereas, American farmers and ranchers uphold the rural character of the nation as they provide the most abundant and most affordable food and fiber supply in the world; and

Whereas, American agriculture builds on centuries of progress by constantly seeking advances in science, research, technology, production, and marketing to meet the demands of changing consumer needs and complex world markets; and

Whereas, a broad approach to agricultural education is vital to ensure that American agriculture continues to flourish; and

Whereas, the agricultural community engages tens of thousands of volunteers and organizations to help educate students about agriculture's preeminent role in modern-day America through agricultural literacy efforts. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the members of the General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize the important role that agriculture plays in the daily lives of every American and, in acknowledgment of the future progress and prosperity of the nation's economy and for the advancement of greater appreciation of farmers and ranchers across the nation, proclaim the week of March 17-23, 2002, as National Agriculture Week and recognize March 20, 2002, as National Agriculture Day in South Carolina.

Be it further resolved that copies of this resolution be forwarded to the Honorable Ann M. Veneman, Secretary of Agriculture of the United States of America, Washington, D.C., and to the Honorable D. Leslie Tindal, South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture, Columbia, South Carolina.