Legislation Document

SPONSOR:	Sen. Wilson & Rep. Vanderwende
Sens. Hansen, Hocker, Huxtable, Lawson, Pettyjohn, Richardson; Reps. Bush, Carson, Collins, Dukes, Hensley, Hilovsky, K. Johnson, Parker Selby, Shupe, Yearick

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

152nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 97

DESIGNATING OCTOBER 12, 2023, AS "NATIONAL FARMER'S DAY" IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, National Farmer’s Day is celebrated annually on the 12 ^th of October to spread awareness about farmers’ contribution in the field of agriculture in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Americans enjoy a food supply that is abundant, affordable, and among the world’s safest, thanks in large part to the efficiency and productivity of America’s farm and ranch families; and

WHEREAS, farming accounts for roughly 1% of the U.S. gross domestic product; and

WHEREAS, direct on-farm employment accounted for about 2.6 million jobs in 2021; and

WHEREAS, 86% of U.S. agricultural products are produced on family farms and ranches; and

WHEREAS, one U.S. farm feeds 166 people annually in the U.S. and abroad; and

WHEREAS, the top three U.S. farm products are cattle, corn, and soybeans; and

WHEREAS, agriculture and farming have been a way of life in Delaware ever since the first settlers arrived more than three centuries ago; and

WHEREAS, agriculture is Delaware’s single largest land use, with an estimated 2,300 farms in 2021; and

WHEREAS, about 90% of farms in Delaware are either sole or family proprietorships or family-owned corporations; and

WHEREAS, Delaware is one of the country’s leading producers of broiler chickens, generating more than $1 billion in annual sales; and

WHEREAS, Delaware’s major poultry producers are leaders in developing innovative industry trends such as organic and antibiotic-free; and

WHEREAS, with highly productive soil and generations of skilled farmers, Delaware is a significant producer of soybeans, field corn, watermelon, lima beans, sweet corn, and potatoes; and

WHEREAS, other important Delaware agricultural products include wheat, barley, apples, peaches, grapes, peas, and dairy.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 152 ^nd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that October 12, 2023, is recognized as “National Farmer’s Day” in the State of Delaware.