Senators Booher and Emmons offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 124.

            A resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to enact a new federal farm bill that ensures the long-term stability and success of our nation's agricultural food and energy system with programs that empower farmers to better manage risk.

            Whereas, Michigan's agricultural food and energy system is vitally important to the state economy. As our nation's second most diverse agricultural system, it contributes $71.3 billion in economic activity annually to the state, including more than $6.4 billion in farm gate value and more than $1.7 billion in exports. More than 1 million people work the agricultural food and energy system in Michigan, caring for more than 10 million acres of land; and

            Whereas, Michigan and our nation's economy, energy needs, environment, and security depend on the viability of the agricultural industry. As such, agriculture must be treated as a strategic resource by our state and nation, and its importance reflected in local, state, and federal government policies; and

            Whereas, Our nation needs a consistent, long-term, market-oriented farm policy. As Congress works toward improving our nation's financial health, agriculture should not suffer disproportionate cuts in federal spending. New federal farm policy should improve net farm income, enhance the economic opportunity for farmers, preserve property rights, improve risk management programs, and conserve the environment. This approach should not be eroded by short-term thinking; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to enact a new federal farm bill that ensures the long-term stability and success of our nation's agricultural food and energy system with programs that empower farmers to better manage risk; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.