Bill Text: MI HR0230 | 2015-2016 | 98th Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to declare March 5-12, 2016, as Agriculture Week in the state of Michigan.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Republican 5-1)
Status: (Passed) 2016-03-10 - Adopted [HR0230 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2015-HR0230-Enrolled.html
Substitute for House Resolution No. 230.
A resolution to declare March 13-19, 2016, as Agriculture Week in the state of Michigan.
Whereas, Each year, states across the nation recognize March as a time to celebrate the importance of food and agriculture as a significant contributor to the national economy; and
Whereas, As part of that celebration, Governor Rick Snyder has proclaimed March as Food and Agriculture Month in Michigan; and
Whereas, The Michigan food and agriculture industry contributes $101.2 billion annually to the state’s economy; and
Whereas, Michigan’s food and agriculture sector is one of the most diverse in the country with over 51,000 farms, 99 percent of which are family-owned, farming nearly 10 million acres of farmland and commercially producing more than 300 food and agricultural commodities. The state ranks first in the production of dry black and cranberry beans, begonias, blueberries, tart cherries, pickling cucumbers, Easter lilies, geraniums, low-fat ice cream mix, impatiens, petunias, and squash. We are a major dairy state and rank in the top 10 nationally for the production of apples, sugar beets, potatoes, and grapes. The industry supports farm markets across the state, produces hops that have helped to grow more than 135 breweries and has long supported the more than 120 wineries that call the Great Lakes State home; and
Whereas, Michigan's food and agriculture system supports more than 920,000 jobs, roughly 22 percent of the state's workforce; and
Whereas, One in every three rows of Michigan field crops is exported with a total value of $1.75 billion. The state’s top three export destinations are Canada, Mexico, and Japan; and
Whereas, Food processing is a large contributor to the state’s economy. Michigan is home to approximately 2,000 licensed food processors who employ more than 30,000 residents
and generate nearly $25 billion in economic activity; and
Whereas, Michigan is home to the nation's pioneer land-grant university, Michigan State University, where the Colleges of Agriculture and Natural Resources and Veterinary Medicine in partnership with the industry and the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development provide research, education, and support for the growth of production agriculture and agribusiness; and
Whereas, The month of March celebrates National Agricultural Week. Agriculture Day at the Capitol is March 16, Michigan State University hosts the State FFA Convention as well as Agriculture and Natural Resources Week, and Secretary of State Ruth Johnson has formed a partnership with Michigan FFA in promoting Agricultural Heritage License Plates; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of the Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare March 13-19, 2016, as Agriculture Week in the state of Michigan. We encourage all citizens to recognize and celebrate this momentous occasion.
