2016 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 16-017 BY SENATOR(S) Sonnenberg, Aguilar, Baumgardner, Carroll, Cooke, Crowder, Donovan, Garcia, Grantham, Guzman, Heath, Hill, Hodge, Holbert, Jahn, Johnston, Jones, Kefalas, Kerr, Lambert, Lundberg, Marble, Martinez Humenik, Merrifield, Neville T., Newell, Roberts, Scheffel, Scott, Steadman, Tate, Todd, Ulibarri, Woods, Cadman; also REPRESENTATIVE(S) Coram, Arndt, Becker J., Becker K., Brown, Buck, Buckner, Carver, Conti, Court, Danielson, DelGrosso, Dore, Duran, Esgar, Everett, Fields, Foote, Garnett, Ginal, Hamner, Humphrey, Joshi, Kagan, Klingenschmitt, Kraft-Tharp, Landgraf, Lawrence, Lebsock, Lee, Leonard, Lontine, Lundeen, McCann, Melton, Mitsch Bush, Moreno, Navarro, Neville P., Nordberg, Pabon, Pettersen, Primavera, Priola, Rankin, Ransom, Rosenthal, Roupe, Ryden, Saine, Salazar, Sias, Singer, Thurlow, Tyler, Van Winkle, Vigil, Willett, Williams, Wilson, Windholz, Winter, Wist, Young, Hullinghorst. CONCERNING THE DESIGNATION OF MARCH 16, 2016, AS AGRICULTURE DAY IN COLORADO. WHEREAS, Americans enjoy the safest, most abundant, and most affordable food supply in the world, thanks largely to the efficiency and productivity of America's farm and ranch families; and WHEREAS, As the world's population is predicted to grow from 7 billion to 9 billion by 2045, and the worldwide demand for food will double by 2050, farmers and ranchers face the challenge of producing more food, feed, fiber, and fuel; and WHEREAS, Today, 97% of all U.S. farms are family owned, and each American farmer feeds more than 156 people, a dramatic increase from the 1960s, when each farmer could feed only 25 people; and WHEREAS, Americans spend less than 9% of their annual income on food, less than any other developed nation, while American farmers and ranchers receive on average only 15.8 cents of every dollar spent on food; and WHEREAS, American farmers and ranchers are the most capable and responsible providers for the safety, health, and well-being of their livestock; and WHEREAS, The agriculture industry is the second largest industry in Colorado, supporting more than 173,000 jobs in Colorado and contributing $41 billion to the state's economy; and WHEREAS, Colorado was responsible for exporting more than $2 billion in food and agricultural products in 2014; and WHEREAS, Colorado agriculture contributes to national security not only by providing food and fiber, but also by producing energy; and WHEREAS, Colorado recognizes landowners whose livelihood depends upon the property they reside on, operate on, and care for as they work to provide basic necessities to all; and WHEREAS, Leadership is vital to the viability of the agriculture industry, and participants in programs like Future Farmers of America, 4-H, and the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Program help develop those leadership skills necessary to promote agriculture and educate their urban cousins on the importance of agriculture to the world; and WHEREAS, Colorado's agriculture industry requires an adequate, reliable workforce in order to provide food from the field to the table; and WHEREAS, Colorado's farms and ranches provide wildlife habitat, open space, and a site for innovative and sustainable farming practices that ensure the protection of state resources; and WHEREAS, Colorado's agricultural producers provide a diverse and valuable array of livestock and crops, including cattle, dairy, sheep, hogs, horses, goats, bison, elk, poultry and eggs, and aquaculture; as well as field corn, sweet corn, wheat, hay, potatoes, barley, sorghum, sunflowers, dry beans, soybeans, onions, carrots, wine grapes, fruit, numerous other vegetables, honey, and greenhouse and nursery products; and WHEREAS, Colorado's agriculturists employ sound animal husbandry practices, ensuring that livestock remain healthy, productive, and content; and WHEREAS, Colorado agriculture provides an estimated $67.5 million annually to support the state's wildlife; and WHEREAS, Colorado's farmers and ranchers are innovative entrepreneurs and business leaders who remain resilient in their dedication to the continued prosperity of the state's agriculture; and WHEREAS, The protection of private property and the rights of landowners who provide wholesome, safe food to Americans and others worldwide is essential; and WHEREAS, Farmers and ranchers are critical to Colorado agritourism, welcoming tourists from around the world and showing them all Colorado has to offer; and WHEREAS, Losing agricultural land and water to other uses will result in overall negative impacts to the state's economy and a loss of food production vital to all Coloradans; and WHEREAS, March 15, 2016, is "National Agriculture Day"; now, therefore, Be It Resolved by the Senate of the Seventieth General Assembly of the State of Colorado, the House of Representatives concurring herein: That we, the members of the General Assembly, proudly recognize and designate "Colorado Agriculture Day" on March 16, 2016, in celebration of the many men and women who strengthen the nation's agriculture industry; promote a safe, high-quality, and sustainable food supply; and protect consumers, the environment, and natural resources. Be It Further Resolved, That copies of this Joint Resolution be sent to the Honorable Governor John Hickenlooper, Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Don Brown, and the members of the Colorado congressional delegation. ____________________________ ____________________________ Bill L. Cadman Dickey Lee Hullinghorst PRESIDENT OF SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE THE SENATE OF REPRESENTATIVES ____________________________ ____________________________ Effie Ameen Marilyn Eddins SECRETARY OF CHIEF CLERK OF THE HOUSE THE SENATE OF REPRESENTATIVES APPROVED________________________________________ _________________________________________ John W. Hickenlooper GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF COLORADO