WHEREAS, The State of Washington has a long history of agricultural sustainability and the production of many highly valued crops; and
     WHEREAS, Washington is home to a forty-six billion dollar food and agriculture industry that has played a significant role in creating one hundred sixty thousand jobs and currently stands at over thirteen percent of the state's economy; and
     WHEREAS, Washington agriculture maintains a strong national and global trade presence and is a national leader in exporting highly sought products to the world's largest foreign markets; and
     WHEREAS, The agricultural industry has demonstrated its continuous dedication to domestic trade and local development by providing its abundant products to wholesale and retail markets around the country while also sustaining strong community markets and working to provide nutritious food to assist Washington's most vulnerable citizens; and
     WHEREAS, The food processing industry is a vital component of agriculture and works in tandem with farmers to extend the shelf life of Washington's food and ensure that domestic and international consumers receive attractive, marketable, and safe food products from the state's agricultural industry; and
     WHEREAS, High-quality agricultural research has provided leadership in discovering and applying knowledge that contributes to a safe and abundant food, fiber, and energy supply while enhancing the sustainability of agricultural and natural resource systems; and
     WHEREAS, The importance of a positive governmental relationship with the agricultural community was recognized from Washington's earliest days as a territory, with agricultural laws passed during the Territorial Assembly's first session in 1854; and
     WHEREAS, In 1913, the Department of Agriculture was created to implement laws and regulations and facilitate the growth of the agricultural industry in Washington State; and
     WHEREAS, After a century, the Department of Agriculture continues to be relevant in response to the changing needs of the state and the agricultural community by including responsibilities that provide solutions to modern day industry challenges and embracing continuous quality improvement principles and respect for people in order that the citizens and agricultural industry across the state receive a high return on their investment;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the members of the Washington State Senate hereby recognize and commend the partnership between the agricultural industry and the Department of Agriculture and their collective commitment to ensure the health and safety of Washington's citizens, crops, livestock, and environment; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the members of the Washington State Senate acknowledge the extraordinary history and heritage of the Department of Agriculture and join it in celebrating its one hundredth anniversary on June 10, 2013, which honors the Department and the agricultural community for their service to the state's citizens, economy, and environment.