81R18690 JNC-D
By: Gonzalez Toureilles H.R. No. 1146
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Texas farmers and ranchers play an important role in
the lives of people worldwide; and
WHEREAS, Facing ever-increasing challenges, agricultural
producers continue to fulfill an enduring legacy, ensuring that
people everywhere have an abundant, reliable, and affordable supply
of food, natural fiber, and other agricultural products; and
WHEREAS, Agriculture is the second-largest resource-based
industry in Texas, generating more than $103 billion for the
economy in 2007 and providing employment for one out of every seven
Texans; and
WHEREAS, Texas leads other states in the production of
cotton, cattle, sheep, goats, wool, mohair, hay, and biodiesel; it
is the second-largest agricultural producer in the nation, and it
ranks third in the United States in exports, with more than $5
billion earned in 2007; and
WHEREAS, In addition to being the fifth-largest wine
producing state in the nation, Texas is a key producer of olives,
with an estimated 250 tons harvested in 2008; and
WHEREAS, Agriculture also plays a major role in water
conservation, rural economic development, global trade, and the
preservation of the environment; and
WHEREAS, This vital industry continues to meet the basic
needs of the world for food and clothing, while also contributing to
the manufacture of such useful everyday goods as laundry detergent
and toothpaste, and it is additionally the source of leading
advancements in medicine, biotechnology, and food safety; and
WHEREAS, The people of this state owe an immeasurable debt of
gratitude to Texas farmers and ranchers for all they contribute to
the health and well-being of all our citizens, and a special day to
honor the Texas agriculture industry is most fitting; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby recognize April 2, 2009, as Agriculture Day in
Texas and extend best wishes to all those involved in agricultural
production in the state.