HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 15

(By Delegates Morgan, Craig, Miller, Reynolds,

Sobonya and Stephens)

Recognizing the importance of keeping strong vocational agricultural programs in West Virginia schools.

    WHEREAS, The West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture has established a goal to increase agricultural production statewide; and

    WHEREAS, Because the average age of farmers and ranchers in America is 58 years, vocational agricultural programs in our schools are vital to the future of agriculture in West Virginia and in the United States of America; and

    WHEREAS, Vocational agricultural programs give students opportunities to utilize theory, apply mathematics and science, and develop life skills and work experience; and

    WHEREAS, West Virginians produce less than $1 billion of agricultural products in West Virginia annually but consume over $7 billion dollars of agricultural food products annually; and

    WHEREAS, Agricultural activity creates economic development opportunities across this state, from farms to farmers markets, and promotes healthy lifestyles through access to locally produced agricultural products; and

    WHEREAS, Counties with rich and fertile bottomland soil, such as Cabell, Mason and Putnam Counties, hold tremendous opportunities for the expansion of agricultural production and innovation in various types of agriculture; and

    WHEREAS, Increasing opportunities through vocational agricultural programs in our schools builds upon the success of our existing vocational agricultural programs, and should be applauded, encouraged and expanded upon; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the West Virginia House of Delegates:

    That the House of Delegates recognizes the importance of keeping strong vocational agricultural programs in West Virginia schools; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Governor, the Commissioner of Agriculture, the State Superintendent of Schools, the Superintendent of Cabell County Schools and the Cabell County Farm Bureau.