Senate Resolution No. 1941

BY: Senator METZGER

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
Wednesday, August 21, 2019, 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 Wednesday, August 21, 2019, 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
hypertension; and

WHEREAS, Modern research supports a surprising array of ancient
allium-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
appreciation 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 Wednesday, August 21,
2019, as Onion Appreciation Day in the State of New York; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.