SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 18
WHEREAS, the agricultural resources of Missouri deserve to be protected from harm; and
WHEREAS, the promise of new markets for agricultural products is encouraging for the producers of the state and warrants further exploration; and
WHEREAS, the integrity of Missouri's agriculture and the land with which that agriculture is nurtured must be maintained for future generations; and
WHEREAS, agriculture has been a fundamental part of Missouri history and tradition and should be maintained as a vital component to Missouri's future, both economically and socially; and
WHEREAS, the unique aspects of Missouri's agriculture should serve as an endorsement for further development and marketing for similar products;
WHEREAS, the abundant natural resources of Missouri should be shared by everyone in the state, both rural and urban residents alike:
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the members of the Missouri Senate, Ninety-Third General Assembly, First Regular Session, the House of Representatives concurring therein, hereby create an Interim Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources Promotion and Development; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the interim committee shall be responsible for:
1. Exploring emerging technologies and processes in Missouri agriculture;
2. Developing an agriterrorism prevention program;
3. Investigating development and true impacts of large agriculture operations;
4. Exposing more urban citizens to Missouri's rural natural resources;
5. Promoting successes in Missouri's small and medium niche agricultural markets;
6. Encouraging programs that strengthen the traditional family farm and encourage younger generations to return to the agricultural industries and farming; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the interim committee be authorized to call upon any department, office, division, or agency of this state to assist in gathering information pursuant to its objective; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the interim committee herein established shall consist of ten members, five of which shall be members of the Senate appointed by the President Pro Tem of the Senate, with at least two members from the minority party; and five shall be members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, with at least two members from the minority party; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the staffs of House Research, Senate Research, and the Committee on Legislative Research shall provide such legal, research, clerical, technical, and bill drafting services as the committee may require in the performance of its duties; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the committee, its members, and any staff assigned to the committee shall receive reimbursement for their actual and necessary expenses incurred in attending meetings of the committee or any subcommittee thereof; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the interim committee shall expire on December 31, 2005, and on that same date deliver a report of findings and recommendations to the General Assembly; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Missouri Senate be instructed to prepare properly inscribed copies of this resolution for the President Pro Tem of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.