2012 -- S 2901

=======

LC02522

=======

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2012

____________

S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

CELEBRATING AGRICULTURE IN RHODE ISLAND

     

     

     Introduced By: Senators Sosnowski, Sheehan, Hodgson, Miller, and Tassoni

     Date Introduced: April 26, 2012

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

1-1

     WHEREAS, The basis of the American economy at its founding, and for many years

1-2

thereafter, was rooted in an agrarian society, an important legacy for Rhode Islanders and all

1-3

Americans to remember; and

1-4

     WHEREAS, America's top exporting industry is agriculture. U.S. farmers and ranchers

1-5

produce more than 200 raw commodities yearly for domestic and export markets. Each year, one

1-6

American farmer provides enough food and fiber for 144 people; and

1-7

     WHEREAS, Agriculture is a way of life for many Americans, with 99 percent of U.S.

1-8

farms and ranches owned by individuals and family partnerships or corporations; and

1-9

     WHEREAS, Agriculture as an industry has actively pursued new methods and

1-10

technologies which not only increase productivity, but also conserve natural resources.

1-11

Agriculture contributes to environmentally-friendly efforts by producing crops suitable for

1-12

making biodegradable plastics, and by recycling chemical containers, feed bags, and food by-

1-13

products; and

1-14

     WHEREAS, More than 1,200 farms in all five counties in Rhode Island contribute to our

1-15

state’s well-being, economy, and heritage. Rhode Island’s greenhouses and nurseries lend beauty

1-16

to our homes and gardens in the form of flowers and plants. Our dairy farms provide milk,

1-17

cheese, and other products we consume daily around our dinner tables. Vegetables and fruits from

1-18

Rhode Island’s many farms help us stay healthy; and

1-19

     WHEREAS, The great majority of farms in Rhode Island are held by individuals and

1-20

families who strive to continue a tradition of working the land. These Rhode Island farmers not

1-21

only endeavor to provide us with what we need to eat, wear, and use on a daily basis, but also

2-1

conduct tremendous outreach efforts to schools, communities, and organizations to remind us

2-2

how agriculture contributes meaningfully to our everyday lives; now, therefore be it

2-3

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

2-4

recognizes the value of agriculture in Rhode Island. We thank the women and men who dedicate

2-5

themselves to providing for Rhode Islanders the bounty that comes from agricultural products;

2-6

and be it further

2-7

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

2-8

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Janet Coit, Director of the Rhode Island

2-9

Department of Environmental Management.

     

=======

LC02522

=======

S2901