Senate Resolution No. 766

BY: Senator AKSHAR

RECOGNIZING March 21, 2017, as National
Agriculture Day

WHEREAS, Hardworking American farmers provide New York State, the
Nation, and much of the world with a safe, healthy, affordable and
abundant food supply; and

WHEREAS, Farmers boost our local economies by spending locally,
attracting tourism, and keeping money in our communities; and

WHEREAS, Agriculture is at the intersection of food, family, health,
community, environment, nature, science, homeland security, economic
concerns, and other significant things we care about; and

WHEREAS, The vast majority of farms and ranches in the United
States, and especially in New York State, are family owned and operated
and have deep historical roots in their communities; and

WHEREAS, Farmers provide fresh, locally grown food to our urban
neighborhoods through an increasing number of farmers markets, CSAs, and
urban farms, improving food options in our cities and creating better
understanding between urban and rural communities; and

WHEREAS, Farmers can be important stewards of our natural resources,
ensuring clean water, healthy soils and increased use of renewable
energy with sound, sustainable agricultural practices; and

WHEREAS, Agriculture in New York State generates over $5 billion a
year in commodity sales and creates 196,000 jobs on and off the farm;
and

WHEREAS, Though the average age of an American farmer is still 57,
young and beginning farmers are literally putting down roots to be the
next generation to feed our families, and returning veterans are finding
new and healing ways to rebuild their lives through agriculture; and

WHEREAS, Local Farm Bureaus across the State such as the Broome
County Farm Bureau, Chenango County Farm Bureau, Tioga County Farm
Burea, Delaware County Farm Bureau, Jefferson County Farm Burea, Oswego
County Farm Bureau, St. Lawrence County Farm Bureau, Monroe County Farm
Bureau, Seneca County Farm Bureau, Wayne County Farm Bureau, Ontario
County Farm Bureau, and Tompkins County Farm Bureau all play a vital
role in strengthening and enhancing our agricultural communities across
the State; and

WHEREAS, The celebration of National Agriculture Day is in
recognition of all the farmers that feed us and our families every day
and of the importance of agriculture as a vital industry and economic
driver in New York State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize March 21, 2017, as National Agriculture Day, honoring and
recognizing the important contributions of all branches of farming to

the health, economic well-being, environment, beauty, and future of New
York State; and

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Chenango County Farm Bureau.