HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 38

(Originating in the House Committee on

Agriculture and Natural Resources)

(By Delegates Beach, Anderson, Everson, Henderson,

Nichols and Williams)

Requesting the appointment of a special joint committee to conduct an interim study relating to the promotion of West Virginia agricultural industries through farmers markets.

Whereas, Under the provisions of section two, article two, chapter nineteen of the code of West Virginia, one thousand nine hundred thirty-one, as amended, the Commissioner of Agriculture is authorized to promote, regulate, coordinate, establish and conduct a system of marketing agricultural products in the State of West Virginia; and
Whereas, Pursuant to that authority, the commissioner has operated two farmers' markets, in Charleston and Inwood, that serve as direct marketing outlets for producers; and
Whereas, New marketing activities in progress include the development of the Capitol Market, an indoor farmers market in downtown Charleston featuring year-round shops promoting primarily West Virginia products; and
Whereas, House Bill 2499, which would restrict offerings at farmers markets subsidized by state appropriations to merchandise certified as "made in West Virginia," was introduced during the 1995 regular session of the Legislature; and
Whereas, A public hearing on the proposed amendments was heldon Tuesday, February twenty-eighth, at which many persons testified on this issue; and
Whereas,Although most of those testifying opposed the restriction on sales, there were numerous and varied recommendations offered for improving the markets; and
Whereas, Investigation into this matter, including the experience of the Department of Agriculture, testimony presented at the public hearing, written and other communications from individuals and interested organizations, reveals a need for an interim study relating to the matter of promoting West Virginia agriculture through farmers markets and other marketing opportunities; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House create a special joint committee to conduct an interim study relating to the promotion of West Virginia agricultural industries through farmers markets; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the special joint committee be comprised of the chairman and three other members of the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, to be appointed by the President of the Senate, and the chairman and three other members of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, to be appointed by the Speaker of the House; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the special joint committee be authorized to conduct public hearings at one or more places throughout the State for the purpose of receiving public comment on the issues under consideration and be authorized to take testimonyat any such hearing; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the special joint committee report to the regular session of the Legislature, 1996, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, and to include with its report drafts of any proposed legislation or regulations necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft any proposed legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.