Bill Text: MI HR0271 | 2017-2018 | 99th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution to declare March 13, 2018, as Agriculture Day in the state of Michigan.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2018-03-13 - Adopted [HR0271 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2017-HR0271-Introduced.html
Rep. Barrett offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 271.
A resolution to declare March 13, 2018, as Agriculture Day 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, The Michigan food and agriculture industry contributes more than $101.2 billion annually to the state’s economy and supports nearly one million jobs, roughly 22 percent of the state's workforce; and
Whereas, Michigan’s food and agriculture sector is the second most diverse in the country with over 52,000 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 is the largest producer of asparagus, tart cherries, cucumbers, squash, Niagara grapes, and three varieties of dry beans – black, cranberry and small red; and ranks in the top ten for 28 additional commodities, including apples, sugar beets, potatoes, blueberries and celery; and
Whereas, We are a major dairy state, ranking sixth nationally in pounds of milk produced. Dairy is the leading segment of Michigan’s agriculture economy, contributing 27 percent of the total cash receipts and generating nearly 40,000 jobs, directly and indirectly, both on and off the farm; and
Whereas, The industry supports more than 300 farmers markets in communities across the state, produces hops that have helped to grow more than 300 breweries, and has long supported the more than 140 wineries that call the Great Lakes State home; and
Whereas, Michigan exports about one-third of its agricultural commodities each year, generating nearly $2.12 billion. Almost 52 percent of Michigan’s agricultural exports go directly to Canada, our number one export market, and rounding out the top countries eager for Michigan-grown products are China, Mexico, Japan, and Thailand; and
Whereas, Food processing is a large contributor to the state’s economy. Michigan is home to more than 2,100 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 agribusinesses; and
Whereas, Michigan’s food and agricultural sector continues to be a growing industry offering new business and career opportunities for Michiganders, making food and agriculture a cornerstone of Michigan’s continued prosperity; and
Whereas, During the month of March we celebrate National Agricultural Week and Michigan Food and Agriculture Month; Agriculture Day at the Capitol is March 13; Michigan State University hosts the State FFA Convention as well as Agriculture and Natural Resources Week; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of the Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare March 13, 2018, as Agriculture Day in the state of Michigan. We encourage all citizens to recognize and celebrate this momentous occasion.
