Reps. Mayes, Nitz, Proos, Kathleen Law, Sheltrown, Spade, Polidori, Stahl, Newell, Hune, Casperson, Ball, Accavitti, Adamini, Anderson, Brown, Byrum, Cheeks, Clack, Condino, Cushingberry, Donigan, Elsenheimer, Farrah, Gillard, Gleason, Gonzales, Green, Hansen, Hildenbrand, Hopgood, Huizenga, Jones, Kolb, Kooiman, Lemmons, Jr., Lipsey, McDowell, Meisner, Meyer, Miller, Mortimer, Murphy, Nofs, Plakas, Sak, Shaffer, Alma Smith, Stewart, Tobocman, Vagnozzi, Waters, Wojno, Zelenko, Byrnes, Leland and Lemmons, III offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 222.
A resolution proclaiming April 2006 as Agricultural Security Month in the state of Michigan.
Whereas, Agriculture is a leading industry in Michigan. It directly and indirectly contributes $60.1 billion in economic activity annually, and accounts for 1.05 million jobs; and
Whereas, Michigan’s agricultural sector is vital to the health of our citizens as a provider of safe, secure, affordable, and nutritious foods. It is also vital to our environment through conservation practices and as a preserver of open space; and
Whereas, Michigan farmers face numerous challenges as they seek to meet society’s needs. Not only do they face weather related disasters and increasingly stiff global competition, but also emerging animal and plant diseases and man-made threats ranging from criminal activity to agro-terrorism; and
Whereas, Prevention of incidents can be improved through education and training, as well as increased physical security practices like appropriate use of locks, gates, and biosecurity measures; and
Whereas, Preparedness, through developing emergency response plans and contact information, helps provide for early detection by a trained and ready workforce; and
Whereas, Quick and effective response to incidents can help to prevent the spread of diseases, the loss of life, and the reduction of Michigan jobs, as well as minimize the impact on Michigan’s environment; and
Whereas, Rapid recovery from agricultural emergencies increasingly requires close coordination of actions with the private sector by officials from all levels of government, as well as university experts; and
Whereas, Michigan leaders from both the public and private sectors have worked together to develop numerous useful tools to help improve security and emergency management capabilities in the agricultural sector, including the “Be Aware, Be Prepared” campaign, the “Emergency Planning for the Farm” bulletin, the “Agricultural Security Series,” and many others; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body proclaim April 2006 as Agricultural Security Month in Michigan.