[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 30 (Thursday, March 17, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
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

  Mr. DOLE. Madam President, over 200 years ago, Thomas Jefferson wrote 
``Cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizens.''
  Much has changed in America since Thomas Jefferson's day, but one 
thing that has not changed is the fact his words are still true--the 
members of America's agriculture community are some of the most 
valuable and important citizens of this country.
  Today is National Agriculture Day--a day for honoring farmers and 
ranchers across the United States who dedicate their lives to food 
production. It is their devotion to the land that serves as a reminder 
of the spirit our forefathers instilled in each of us--the spirit of 
hard work and the perseverance to deal with the hand Mother Nature 
deals them.
  America's first farmers worried about feeding their families. Today, 
American agriculture feeds the world. Biotechnology has allowed farmers 
to yield food products more efficiently, more safely, and at a lower 
cost.
  Now that NAFTA has been negotiated and passed, and with completion of 
the GATT imminent, we are about to embark upon a new era for 
agriculture trade. These trade agreements will allow more efficient use 
of resources within our 50 States, and will also open up new markets to 
our highly competitive farm products. American agriculture products are 
in great demand around the world, and with the elimination of trade 
barriers our farmers will be filling those demands every day.
  Madam President, let us also remember that Government has done much 
to make the farmer's task more difficult. No matter what the farmer or 
rancher grows or raises, they can count on having to deal with an 
abundant crop of Government redtape, regulations, and paperwork.
  And the best way we can pay tribute to our agriculture community is 
to remember every day--and not just on one--the invaluable 
contributions they have made to the history of our country, and the 
difference they make in feeding our families and our world.
  (Ms. MOSELEY-BRAUN assumed the chair.)

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