LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim Tuesday, August 21, 2012, as Onion Appreciation Day in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, The agricultural industry of the State of New York is highly
benefited by the active promotion of farming endeavors and agricultural
products; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim Tuesday, August 21, 2012, as Onion
Appreciation Day in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, The 21st day in August of every year is the official
commencement date of onion harvest season in this great Empire State;
and
WHEREAS, The nutritional value of onions have been held in high esteem
throughout recorded history, having been used in nearly every cuisine
around the globe; and
WHEREAS, Perceived to be one of the oldest known vegetables, onions
are among the first cultivated crops, are easy to grow, do well in a
wide range of soils and climates, are less perishable than many other
vegetables, and have grown wild in many regions throughout the world;
and
WHEREAS, Food historians estimate man has been cultivating onions for
approximately 5,000 years; it is also estimated our ancestors feasted on
wild onions for thousands of years before the inventions of farming and
writing; and
WHEREAS, Onions have numerous medicinal purposes, some of which
include the treatment of coughs, colds, wounds, ulcers, and hyperten-
sion; and
WHEREAS, Modern research supports a surprising array of ancient alli-
um-related health claims; according to researchers in the United States
and India, onions also kill the germs that cause tooth decay; and
WHEREAS, An absolute asset to society, onions contain at least 25
identified active disease combating compounds that, like garlic, possess
antibacterial, antifungal, and immune enhancing properties which may
explain their efficacy in warding off colds as well as relieving upset
stomachs; they also appear to lower blood pressure and cholesterol,
inhibit growth of cancer cells, reduce stroke risk, and assist in
preventing heart disease; and
WHEREAS, All of our Nation's farmers, particularly the onion farmers
of the State of New York, deserve the recognition, support, and appreci-
ation of all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim Tuesday, August 21,
2012, as Onion Appreciation Day in the State of New York; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.