[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 37 (Thursday, March 20, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S2641]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DAY

  Mr. COVERDELL. Mr. President, I would guess that many in the gallery 
today, and even some of my colleagues, are unaware of today's 
significance for rural America. Today is National Agriculture Day and 
should be a time of great reflection and celebration for all Americans. 
It is unfortunate that many in today's society are unaware of 
agriculture's daily role in their lives, but the fault for this may lie 
with those of us in the agricultural sector who have not properly told 
our story. The significance of this day is held in the tremendous, yet 
quiet, success story American farmers have written in building this 
nation. Although our agricultural community is in a period of great 
transition, there still can be no dispute--American farmers produce the 
world safest, most abundant and affordable food and fibers. This did 
not come by accident. American farmers, with a few exceptions, have 
enjoyed a positive partnership with their government. Congress has long 
backed vital research, promotion and insurance activities for farmers. 
These efforts, for the most part, need to continue in order to maintain 
our excellence. Just coming out of the 1996 Farm Bill, we should now 
carefully evaluate our work to determine where our policies have been 
successful and where we need work. Let's not forget that agriculture is 
our nation's number one export product, and in my state, is the largest 
industry. My point is, just like a good crop, our agriculture community 
needs attention.
  Now, what is the future of agriculture? I tend to believe that our 
future is in trade and technology. We are strategically positioned to 
compete and win on a world market. We are also leading the world in our 
ag research with many exciting advancements on the horizon. Where we 
need to concentrate is on the crafting of future Agriculture leaders 
for America. In my state, the Georgia Farm Bureau, the Georgia 
Agribusiness Council and the state Department of Agriculture and 
University, in coordination with others involved in agriculture, have 
teamed up to promote a program for future ag leaders. Program 
participants are selected for their leadership, integrity and 
effectiveness and are chosen in order to better communicate with non-ag 
leaders the many challenges facing agriculture today. This program was 
adopted six years ago and is called the Georgia Agri-Leaders Forum. The 
Agri-Leaders of Georgia are all standouts in various fields related to 
agriculture. They come from farms, banks, electrical membership 
cooperatives, commodity groups and other organizations with a common 
agricultural thread. These leaders should be commended for their 
contributions to agriculture and their service in what should be a 
mission to better educate America on just what her annual harvests mean 
to our national security and health. They are the best and brightest in 
Georgia agriculture each year, and I want to recognize them on this 
important day. The following are the class of the 1997 Georgia Agri-
Leaders Forum:
       Dr. David K. Bishop, Extension Animal Scientist (University 
     of Georgia) Tifton, GA; Roger L. Branch, Southeastern Gin 
     Inc., Surrency, GA; Louie Canova, Floyd County Extension 
     Director, Rome, GA; Charles Enfinger, Pineland Plantation, 
     Newton, GA; Clint Hood, President, Allied Bank of GA;, 
     Louisville, GA; Sam James, Regional Marketing Manager, Gold 
     Kist, Inc., Atlanta, GA; Debra M. Cervetti Engineer, 
     Cornerstone Engineering, Moultrie, GA; James Colson, Regional 
     Accounts Manager, Gold Kist Inc., Valdosta, GA; Frank Dean, 
     Vice President, North GA; Farm Credit, ACA Daniel L. Johnson, 
     D.L. Johnson Farms, Alma, GA; Robert F. Jones, The Kroger 
     Company, Atlanta, GA; George Larsen II, Lone Oak Plantation, 
     DeSoto, GA; April Lavender, Georgia Forestry Association, 
     Norcross, GA; Mary Ellen Lawson, GA; Department of 
     Agriculture, Atlanta, GA; Dr. Daniel V. McCracken, Dept. Of 
     Crop and Soil Science (University of GA;), Griffin, GA; Clete 
     Sanders, S&S Farms, Forsyth, GA; Shirley Stripling, Chula 
     Peanuts and Grain, Chula, GA; Stephen L. Morgan, ISK 
     Bioscience, Thomasville, GA; James R. Noble, GA; Power 
     Company, Tifton, GA; Richard L. Oliver, Area Conservationist 
     (USDA/NRCS), Rome, GA; Lynn D. Thornhill, Abraham Baldwin 
     Agricultural College, Tifton, GA; Frank Wade, Jr., A.F. Wade 
     CPA, Cochran, GA;
  Mr. President, I want to again recognize and congratulate this fine 
class of agri-leaders for their contributions to agriculture and to 
their country on this National Agriculture Day.

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