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9 LONG TITLE
10 General Description:
11 This concurrent resolution recognizes and expresses appreciation to the Department of
12 Agriculture and Food.
13 Highlighted Provisions:
14 This resolution:
15 ▸ outlines the history of the Department of Agriculture and Food;
16 ▸ addresses the many roles of the Department of Agriculture and Food and how these
17 roles benefit the state; and
18 ▸ recognizes the Department of Agriculture and Food at its 100th anniversary.
19 Special Clauses:
20 None
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22 Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor concurring therein:
23 WHEREAS, the Department of Agriculture and Food's roots date back to the year of
24 Utah's statehood when the 1896 Legislature formed the State Board of Horticulture;
25 WHEREAS, the Utah Legislature combined several agencies in 1921 to form the
26 Department of Agriculture;
27 WHEREAS, the responsibility of the Department of Agriculture and Food is to
28 facilitate the production, processing, distribution, and marketing of agricultural products by the
29 private sector and to ensure that consumers have access to high-quality and wholesome food
30 products;
31 WHEREAS, the Department of Agriculture and Food fulfills its mission to protect and
32 promote agriculture by raising public awareness and demand for Utah agriculture and food
33 products;
34 WHEREAS, the Department of Agriculture and Food serves Utah's farmers, ranchers,
35 and food producers as they provide Utah with safe and delicious food, build our economy, and
36 conserve our beautiful mountain valleys and desert landscapes;
37 WHEREAS, the Department of Agriculture and Food's mission is to promote the
38 healthy growth of Utah agriculture, conserve its natural resources, and protect its food supply;
39 WHEREAS, agriculture is a critical part of Utah's economy and culture with millions of
40 acres in farm and ranch production and over a billion dollars in cash receipts;
41 WHEREAS, Utah agriculture producers and processors account for more than 20% of
42 the state's gross domestic product;
43 WHEREAS, agriculture workers are categorized as essential in emergency declarations
44 and continued to work through the recent pandemic shutdown in spite of obvious health risks;
45 WHEREAS, agriculture benefits the environment through agriculture's ability to
46 sequester carbon;
47 WHEREAS, the Department of Agriculture and Food provides food safety oversight
48 and consumer protection of agricultural products and services;
49 WHEREAS, the Department of Agriculture and Food provides regulatory oversight to
50 ensure product quality, accuracy of labeling, and equity in the marketplace;
51 WHEREAS, the Department of Agriculture and Food provides oversight to prevent and
52 control animal disease and assure animal health on the range and in our food supply;
53 WHEREAS, the Department of Agriculture and Food provides oversight to preserve
54 and protect Utah's soil and water for the betterment of Utah agriculture and its people;
55 WHEREAS, the Department of Agriculture and Food supports and provides continuing
56 agriculture education throughout the state;
57 WHEREAS, the Department of Agriculture and Food has additional duties such as
58 weights and measures and the regulation of bedding, upholstered furniture, and quilted clothing
59 inspection; and
60 WHEREAS, the Department of Agriculture and Food is well positioned to serve Utah
61 for the next 100 years:
62 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the
63 Governor concurring therein, recognizes the Department of Agriculture and Food for the
64 tremendous impact the department has had on driving agriculture and food commerce over the
65 last 100 years, assuring a safe and secure food supply, and leading out on the conservation of
66 critical open lands for food production, wildlife habitat, healthy watersheds, and the
67 sustainability of our natural resources.
68 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Department
69 of Agriculture and Food.