WHEREAS, Apples have been the leading crop, in terms of revenue generation, in Washington State for twelve of the past thirteen years; and
     WHEREAS, Pears grown in the Northwest account for 90 percent of the nation's fresh winter pears; and
     WHEREAS, With roughly 100,000 tons produced annually, more sweet cherries are grown in Washington than any other state in the union; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington tree fruit industry adds approximately 53,000 jobs to the state economy annually, which generates roughly 356 million dollars in wages for Washington workers; and
     WHEREAS, Over a third of all apples grown in Washington are exported out of state, with a significant portion going to Mexico and Taiwan via the ports of Seattle and Tacoma; and
     WHEREAS, Washington tree fruit is sold in all 50 states and more than 40 countries around the world; and
     WHEREAS, Washington tree fruit producers have been at the forefront of developing the latest technologies in mating disruption and IPM techniques in their orchards to combat pests; and
     WHEREAS, Washington tree fruit producers are outstanding representatives of the agricultural profession in the State of Washington;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate February 12, 2003, as "Tree Fruit Day" in the State of Washington and call upon the people of Washington to participate fittingly in its observance to recognize the men and women in the state who have helped make Washington's tree fruit industry as successful as it is; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to James M. Hazen, Executive Director of the Washington State Horticultural Association.