WHEREAS, On March 17, 2005, Washington's agricultural industry is convening its Joint Legislative Day in Olympia to meet with leaders of state government and celebrate Agriculture Day; and
     WHEREAS, The state's combined agricultural industries produce an ever-growing diversity of commercial crop and food products, second only to California, and create about $6 billion in annual income, or approximately 13 percent of Washington State's 223 billion dollar economy; and
     WHEREAS, The agricultural industry works diligently with state leaders to coordinate the state's efforts toward high-priority issues including food safety, environmental stewardship, and, last but not least, maintaining the viability of farming and ranching for future generations; and
     WHEREAS, The state's agricultural industry feeds the world and deserves our support in increasing awareness of the role that agriculture plays in a strong economy;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate, in order to recognize that high quality and affordable food does not just magically appear on the grocery store shelf, says 'thank you' to all of Washington's hard-working farmers and ranchers for their efforts in providing a safe, affordable, and abundant supply of food; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to representatives of the agricultural industry.