LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Tom Thompson upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the James Quinn Award by the New York State
Farm Bureau

WHEREAS, The agricultural industry is part of the foundation upon which
our distinct American heritage is built; New York State and the entire
United States are dependent on our agricultural industry for a variety
of food products; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of our farmers as they continue their hard work of cultivating
the land, facing the many challenges of nature such as flood, drought
and heat, in order to grow our food; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Tom
Thompson upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the James
Quinn Award by the New York State Farm Bureau, celebrated at its Annual
Meeting from December 8-10, 2015, in Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, A resident of Grand Island, New York, and a vital Farm Bureau
member, Tom Thompson received this auspicous reward for his extraor-
dinary efforts to serve and strengthen the agricultural industry
throughout the past year; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Farm Bureau is a non-governmental, volun-
teer organization which is financed and controlled by member families
for the purpose of solving economic and public policy issues challenging
the agricultural industry; and
WHEREAS, Agriculture is New York's most important industry; in 2008,
the farm economy generated $4.45 billion; and
WHEREAS, There are approximately 35,000 farms in New York State and 99
percent of those are family owned; a viable and strong agricultural
industry is not only beneficial to the state's farm and food industry,
but to the economy of the state, hundreds of local communities, and to
all consumers of New York; and
WHEREAS, New York has a tremendous agricultural resource base with
abundant rainfall, productive soil, sufficient growing season, and prox-
imity to the nation's largest markets; the outlook for the future of New
York agriculture is one of great potential for a vigorous and thriving
industry; and
WHEREAS, Through his diligence and expertise in farming, Tom Thompson
has brought pride and recognition to himself, his local community, and
to our great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Tom Thompson upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the James Quinn Award by the New York State Farm Bureau; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Tom Thompson.