[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 30 (Thursday, March 17, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 17, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                        NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DAY

                                 ______


                         HON. RICHARD J. DURBIN

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 17, 1994

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the men and women 
of this country who work the land, process and refine our agricultural 
commodities, and engage in the research that keeps American farmers and 
ranchers the most efficient in the world. I rise to pay tribute to the 
U.S. agricultural community.
  Sunday, March 20, 1994, marks the annual observance of National 
Agriculture Day. It might interest my colleagues to know that all 50 
States in our country, the 4 U.S. territories, and the U.S. Congress 
have marked the occasion with official proclamations. I am very happy 
to join Chairman de la Garza and 226 of my colleagues, from both urban 
and rural America, in cosponsoring the joint resolution declaring March 
20 as ``National Agriculture Day.''
  Mr. Speaker, American farmers are the most efficient producers of 
food and fiber in the world. We, as Americans, are blessed to have the 
natural resources and farming expertise that help guarantee consumers a 
safe and abundant food supply. The food and fiber system in this 
country now generates over $850 billion a year in economic activity--16 
percent of our gross domestic product. Clearly, American agriculture 
has a good story to tell.
  Throughout Illinois' 20th Congressional District in west-central and 
southern Illinois, in counties like Adams, Bond, Brown, Calhoun, 
Clinton, Christian, Fayette, Greene, Jefferson, Jersey, Macoupin, 
Madison, Marion, Montgomery, Pike, Sangamon, Schuyler, Scott, and 
Washington farming and agriculture are not only a way of life but a 
major part of the local economy.
  The men and women who work tirelessly to provide food and fiber for 
our Nation, the scientists and researchers who labor at facilities like 
the University of Illinois, the food processors and refiners, and those 
who transport our farm commodities all deserve a sincere thank you for 
their efforts and contributions to American life, health, and 
prosperity.
  It has become increasingly obvious that agriculture not only holds 
the key to revitalization for our rural economies but our urban areas 
as well. That is why celebrating National Agriculture Day is so 
important. We need to take time to recognize the significant 
contributions that agriculture makes to our everyday lives. From 
production agriculture to research, it is easy to see that the 
diversity of American agriculture touches almost every aspect of our 
lives.
  Mr. Speaker, we pause today to reflect on the contributions of 
American agriculture. And, we look to the future, a future which holds 
great promise, for the continued development of our agricultural 
system.

                          ____________________