2003 Assembly Joint Resolution 52
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: calling for concerted action to support, renew, and expand the agricultural economy in Wisconsin.
Whereas, the agriculture industry in Wisconsin generates $40 billion in annual revenues, which is an economic engine that drives substantial portions of the nonfarm economy, as well as the agricultural sector; and
Whereas, the challenges to agriculture have never been greater, as global competition has had a major impact on agricultural commodity prices; and
Whereas, Wisconsin agricultural producers need to meet this competition by modernizing, becoming more efficient, adding value to agricultural commodities, and finding niche markets; and
Whereas, Wisconsin is at a critical juncture, with opportunities for economic growth in agriculture and reasons for optimism about the future of agriculture in this state, due to the large existing investment in infrastructure, abundant clean water, climate conducive to agriculture, and a strong work ethic in all who are involved in agriculture; and
Whereas, the legislature has long been active in providing support for agriculture in Wisconsin, as evidenced by the many state programs that provide financial and other forms of assistance to agricultural producers and agribusinesses; and
Whereas, that support for agriculture needs to be intensified by the introduction and passage of a group of bills to be known as the "Agricultural Renewal Initiative"; and
Whereas, the Agricultural Renewal Initiative is designed to create innovative methods of encouraging agricultural growth and modernization, facilitate the adoption of state-of-the-art agricultural equipment and technologies, improve and unify the delivery of financial support to agricultural producers and agribusinesses through state programs, and enhance the economic climate for agriculture and all related industries; and
Whereas, although the legislature pledges to do everything that it can to support agriculture in Wisconsin, that effort will fully succeed only with the cooperation and support of every governmental unit, educational institution, private business, and nonprofit organization that is involved in agriculture in this state; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the members of the Wisconsin legislature call on and challenge the governor, state agencies, local units of government, universities, colleges, schools, the Wisconsin congressional delegation, federal agencies with responsibilities to agriculture, lenders, and farm-related organizations and businesses to join the legislature in supporting the Agricultural Renewal Initiative, to develop other similar initiatives to complement the legislature's proposals, and to lend all of the knowledge, creativity, energy, and hope that they have to ensuring a bright future for agriculture in Wisconsin; and, be it further
Resolved, That the assembly chief clerk shall publicize this joint resolution and transmit copies as appropriate to the individuals and entities listed in the joint resolution.
