Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 101 Part 1.djvu/358

 101 STAT. 328

PUBLIC LAW 100-46—MAY 29, 1987

Public Law 100-46, . 100th Congress ^ > "' ', Joint Resolution May 29, 1987 [H.J. Res. 270]

To recognize the one hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary of the United States Department of Agriculture.

Whereas President Abraham Lincoln recognized the importance of the Nation's agricultural community by recommending the establishment of a Federal agriculture agency and subsequently signing the bill establishing the United States Department of Agriculture on May 15, 1862; Whereas the importance of the United States farmer was further recognized by the adoption of the Homestead Act on May 20, 1862, 7 USC 301 note. and the Land-Grant College Act on July 2, 1862; Whereas the Department of Agriculture has worked with farmers to provide a steady supply of food to the people of the United States and those in less fortunate areas of the world; Whereas the Department of Agriculture, during the past century and a quarter, has facilitated the work of the world's foremost agricultural scientists to research and solve problems faced by United States farmers, discover and develop new and improved plant varieties, and assist farmers in achieving extraordinary gains in production yields and quality; Whereas the Department of Agriculture, through its extension activities, has reached homes and classrooms throughout the Nation to develop and foster an understanding, among the people and particularly the youth of the United States, of the virtues and importance of our agricultural heritage and future; Whereas the Department of Agriculture has invested resources and technology into the development of rural United States; Whereas the Department of Agriculture has worked with farmers and conservationists to preserve the Nation's fertile topsoils; Whereas the Department of Agriculture has acted to protect our borders from introduction of pests and diseases that might harm the health and well-being of the people and agricultural industries of the United States; Whereas the Department of Agriculture has endeavored to ensure that all the people of the United States have a safe and wholesome food supply and have the opportunity to receive nutritionally wellbalanced meals; Whereas the Department of Agriculture has sought to open and maintain foreign markets for United States agricultural goods and has represented United States farmers in foreign affairs; and Whereas the first Commissioner of Agriculture Isaac Newton stated in the first annual report to the President of the United States: "I hardly deem it necessary to attempt to convince our intelligent countrymen of the vast importance of such a department, inasmuch as whatever improves the condition and character of the farmer feeds the lifesprings of national character, wealth, and power", words that still ring true: Now, therefore, be it

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