SECOND REGULAR SESSION
House Concurrent Resolution No. 33
93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Whereas, Missouri's long-standing agriculture tradition continues to thrive and contribute to our economy and to our families; and
Whereas, the State of Missouri has maintained a robust and profitable agriculture economy, frequently ranking in the top ten among states with regard to the number of operating farms, hay, cotton, and corn production, and cattle, hog, and turkey production, and more; and
Whereas, the economic benefits from these agricultural operations are profoundly important to our communities, to our state, and to our nation; and
Whereas, with the introduction of the Missouri Animal Identification Program, a coordinated effort between the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture, the issues of food security and personal freedom became a reality for Missouri agriculture producers; and
Whereas, the United States Department of Agriculture National Identification System (NAIS) is currently, should remain, a voluntary program with regard to animal identification programs and marketing practices:
Now, therefore, be it resolved that the members of the House of Representatives of the Ninety-third General Assembly, Second Regular Session, the Senate concurring therein, hereby urge the United States Department of Agriculture to continue the National Animal Identification System program as a voluntary program to allow agriculture families to direct their own future; and
Be it further resolved that we, the members of the Missouri General Assembly, hereby swear as a legislative body to uphold and promote our farming community and protect the freedoms we share; and
Be it further resolved that the Chief Clerk of the Missouri House of Representatives be instructed to prepare a properly inscribed copy of this resolution for Mike Johanns, the Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture.