Assembly Resolution No. 974

BY: M. of A. Barrett

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
March 19, 2024, as Agriculture Day in the State of
New York

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, The celebration of National Agriculture Day is in
recognition of farmers from all racial, ethnic and socio-economic
backgrounds and walks of life, who 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
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 19, 2024, as
Agriculture Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of 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 The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.