Declare Agriculture Day Statewide

March 21, 2017, as Agriculture Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of 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, 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 memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 21, 2017, 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 Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.