SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 43
(By Senators Whitlow, Anderson, Dittmar, Dugan, Helmick,
Love, Miller, Minear, Ross and White)
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 No. 2499, which would restrict offerings at farmers' markets subsidized by state appropriations to
merchandise certified as "made in West Virginia", was introduced
during the regular session of the Legislature, 1995; and
Whereas, A public hearing on the proposed amendments was held
on Tuesday, the twenty-eighth day of February, one thousand nine
hundred ninety-five, 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
of Delegates 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 chairperson and three other members of the Senate
agriculture committee to be appointed by the president of the
Senate, and the chairperson and three other members of the House of
Delegates 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 testimony
at 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 together with its report and drafts
of any proposed legislation or rules 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.