[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1685 Introduced in House (IH)]

111th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 1685

Recognizing the 20th anniversary of the annual September celebration of 
               the harvest of rice in the United States.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           September 29, 2010

Mr. Berry (for himself, Mrs. Emerson, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, Mr. 
 Childers, Mr. Poe of Texas, Mr. Paul, Mr. Herger, Mr. Olson, and Mr. 
Cassidy) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 
                        Committee on Agriculture

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Recognizing the 20th anniversary of the annual September celebration of 
               the harvest of rice in the United States.

Whereas rice is a primary staple for more than half of the population of the 
        world and has been one of the most important foods throughout history;
Whereas rice production in the United States dates back to 1685 and is one of 
        the oldest agribusinesses in the United States;
Whereas rice grown in the United States significantly contributes to the diet 
        and economy of the United States;
Whereas rice is produced in the States of Arkansas, California, Louisiana, 
        Mississippi, Missouri, and Texas;
Whereas rice production, processing, merchandising, and related industries in 
        the United States are vital to the economies of rural areas of the 
        Sacramento Valley in the State of California, the Gulf Coast region of 
        the States of Louisiana and Texas, and the Mississippi Delta region 
        where rice is produced on more than 3,000,000 acres of land annually;
Whereas in 2009, rice farmers in the United States produced nearly 
        22,000,000,000 pounds of rice that had a farm gate value of more than 
        $3,000,000,000;
Whereas in 2009, rice production and subsequent sales generated $17,500,000,000 
        in total value added to the economy of the United States from rice 
        production, milling, and selected end users and had the employment 
        effect of contributing 127,000 jobs to the labor force;
Whereas eighty-five percent of the rice consumed in the United States is grown 
        by American rice farmers, and the production and sale of this rice 
        supports rural communities and the economy of the United States;
Whereas the United States is one of the largest exporters of rice and produces 
        more than two percent of the world's rice supply, feeding millions 
        around the world;
Whereas rice is a food enjoyed throughout life in many forms, as the foundation 
        of main dishes and side dishes, and as cereals, flour, bran, cooking 
        oil, rice cakes, and other healthful snacks;
Whereas rice is an important source of nutritional value, as rice provides an 
        excellent source of complex carbohydrates, and is cholesterol-free, 
        sodium-free, and trans fat-free;
Whereas published research shows that people who eat rice have healthier diets;
Whereas rice farmers in the United States play a key role in the provision and 
        enhancement of habitat for wetlands-dependant wildlife species, such as 
        ducks, geese, swans, and cranes; and
Whereas the harvest of rice in the United States is celebrated each September, 
        and September 2010 marks the 20th anniversary of the designation of 
        September as National Rice Month: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes the 20th anniversary of the annual September 
        celebration of the harvest of rice in the United States; and
            (2) encourages the people of the United States to observe 
        National Rice Month with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
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