[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 69 (Tuesday, May 15, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E803]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        A TRIBUTE TO AGRICULTURE

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                           HON. AUSTIN SCOTT

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 15, 2012

  Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, with the 150th anniversary 
of the U.S. Department of Agriculture upon us, I feel it important to 
pay tribute to the American farmers, ranchers, and producers who remain 
a cornerstone in the foundation of our country. Since the settlement of 
American colonies, agriculture has played a paramount role in the lives 
of American citizens.
  Growing up in South Georgia, I witnessed the impact agriculture plays 
in our Nation's economy and national security. In Georgia, agriculture 
is directly related to one out of every seven jobs. It contributes 
billions of dollars to the State's economy and provides a safe and 
reliable source of food for American citizens. The U.S. Department of 
Agriculture has played and continues to play an important role in each 
of these aspects.
  With the long-standing relationship between Georgia and the U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, the State of Georgia has become synonymous 
with agriculture. Georgia leads the Nation in broilers and value of egg 
production with $4 billion dollars and $570 million dollars, 
respectfully. It produces the second highest amount of cotton in the 
United States, and it produces almost half of the peanuts grown in the 
U.S. with a farm gate value of over $401 million dollars. Altogether, 
agriculture contributes about 12 percent annually to Georgia's $787 
billion dollar economic output.
  With the success of our Nation's agriculture sector, it is vital that 
the U.S. government create an optimal environment where farmers and 
ranchers can continue to provide our country with a consistent and safe 
supply of agriculture products. We can achieve this through appropriate 
policies that provide support for our Nation's agricultural producers.
  Therefore, Mr. Speaker, during this time of honoring the 150th 
anniversary of the Department of Agriculture, it is with great esteem 
and pride that I honor our Nation's farmers, ranchers, and producers. I 
ask my fellow colleagues to provide continued support for our country's 
agriculture industry. With continued support, we can carry on our 
America's role as a world leader in reliable material and safe foods.

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