Senate Resolution No. 46

Introduced by Senators Hueso and Wolk

August 27, 2015

Senate Resolution No. 46—Relative to Farmworker Appreciation Day.

WHEREAS, The inexhaustible efforts of millions of
farmworkers have contributed greatly to the success of the
agricultural industry; and

WHEREAS, California’s agricultural production helps feed the
nation and the rest of the world, and fuels the state’s economy;
and

WHEREAS, Farmworkers in California contribute significantly
to our agricultural accomplishments by toiling in fields through
harsh and extreme weather conditions, growing, harvesting, and
preparing goods for markets and destinations in the United States
and abroad; and

WHEREAS, With less than 1 percent of California’s population
engaging in farming and agriculture, each agricultural worker
today provides for more than 100 other people, compared to just
13 people in 1947; and

WHEREAS, For over 50 consecutive years, California has been
the number one agricultural state in the nation. California is also
currently the number one dairy state in the nation, and produces
50 percent of the nation’s supply of fruits, nuts, and vegetables;
and

WHEREAS, Today’s agricultural industry offers over 300
challenging and rewarding career opportunities, from on-farm
cultivation to food science and engineering; and

WHEREAS, California is the nation’s leader in agricultural
exports, shipping more than $16 billion worth of food and
agricultural commodities around the world in 2011; and

WHEREAS, California consumers say it is important to them
to purchase foods grown in California, and that “California grown”
is more important to them today than in previous years. In the last
decade, California consumers have increased support of farmers’
markets, community-supported agricultural programs, and
farm-to-school programs; and

WHEREAS, California’s agriculture also plays a unique and
vital role in the economic strength of the state, providing for nearly
one in 10 jobs and more than $100 billion in production and related
economic activity; and

WHEREAS, In 2013, California’s 77,900 farms and ranches
received $46.4 billion for their output, and more than 26 percent
of those farms generated commodity sales over $100,000, greater
than the national average of 19 percent; and

WHEREAS, California’s farmers also contribute to the creation
of products related to manufacturing, health care, printing,
education, recreation, transportation, entertainment, construction,
and personal care; and

WHEREAS, For many farmworkers, the American dream means
a life of self-sacrifice, hard work, and perseverance; and

WHEREAS, To many Californians, the plight of farmworkers
is an issue from the past, a belief perpetuated by the fact that
farmworker suffering typically takes place in remote areas far from
cities, thereby rendering farmworkers invisible to our society; and

WHEREAS, The fruits and vegetables that we enjoy in our daily
lives are produced by farmworkers who often endure long hours
of backbreaking work and who face challenges such as inadequate
enforcement of pesticide, safety, and labor protection laws in the
fields; and

WHEREAS, Farmworkers dream of providing a better life for
their children, but the reality of having to move from crop to crop
makes this dream hard to achieve, and economic forces and the
rising cost of living have pushed farmworkers further into poverty;
and

WHEREAS, It is appropriate for all Californians to say “thank
you” to our farmers and farmworkers for providing a bounty to
our nation and entire world; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, That the Senate
hereby declares September 3, 2015, as Farmworker Appreciation
Day to honor the men and women of agriculture and to promote
an understanding of California’s agricultural industry; and be it
further

Resolved, That the Senate calls upon all Californians to
recognize the hard work and self-sacrifice that farmworkers go
through to feed all the families in our state; and be it further

Resolved,That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of
this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.