[Congressional Bills 103th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S.J. Res. 163 Referred in House (RFH)]

103d CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. J. RES. 163


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                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             March 11, 1994

       Referred in the Committee on Post Office and Civil Service

_______________________________________________________________________

                            JOINT RESOLUTION


 
      To proclaim March 20, 1994, as ``National Agriculture Day''.

Whereas agriculture is the Nation's largest and most basic industry, and its 
        associated production, processing, and marketing segments together 
        provide more jobs than any other single industry;
Whereas the United States agricultural sector serves all Americans by providing 
        food, fiber, and other basic necessities of life;
Whereas the performance of the agricultural economy is vital to maintaining the 
        strength of our national economy, the standard of living of our 
        citizens, and our presence in the world trade markets;
Whereas the Nation's heritage of family-owned, family-operated farms and ranches 
        has been the core of the American agricultural system and continues to 
        be the best means for assuring the protection of our natural resources 
        and the production of an adequate and affordable supply of food and 
        fiber for future generations of Americans;
Whereas the American agricultural system provides American consumers with a 
        stable supply of the highest quality food and fiber for the lowest cost 
        per capita in the world;
Whereas American agriculture continually seeks to maintain and improve the high 
        level of product quality and safety expected by the consumer;
Whereas the public should be aware of the contributions of all people--men and 
        women--who are a part of American agriculture and its contributions to 
        American life, health, and prosperity;
Whereas women play a vital role in maintaining the family farm system, both as 
        sole operators and as working partners, and are also attaining important 
        leadership roles throughout the American agricultural system;
Whereas farm workers are an indispensable part of the agricultural system as 
        witnessed by their hard work and dedication;
Whereas scientists and researchers play an integral part in the agricultural 
        system in their search for better and more efficient ways to produce and 
        process safe and nutritious agricultural products;
Whereas farmers and food processors are responding to the desire of health-
        conscious American consumers by developing more health-oriented food 
        products;
Whereas distributors play an important role in transporting agricultural 
        products to retailers who in turn make the products available to the 
        consumer;
Whereas our youth--the future of our Nation--have become involved through 
        various organizations in increasing their understanding and our 
        understanding of the importance of agriculture in today's society;
Whereas it is important that all Americans should understand the role that 
        agriculture plays in their lives and well-being, whether they live in 
        urban or rural areas; and
Whereas since 1973, the first day of spring has been celebrated as National 
        Agriculture Day by farmers and ranchers, commodity and farm 
        organizations, cooperatives and agribusiness organizations, nonprofit 
        and community organizations, other persons involved in the agricultural 
        system, and Federal, State, and local governments: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled, That March 20, 1994, is 
proclaimed ``National Agriculture Day'', and the President is 
authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the 
people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate 
ceremonies and activities during the week of March 14 through March 20.

            Passed the Senate March 10 (legislative day, February 22), 
      1994.

            Attest:

                                             WALTER J. STEWART,

                                                             Secretary.