Wyoming local food production.

WORKING DRAFT

ORIGINAL
House
JOINT RESOLUTION
No.
HJ0006

ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 4,

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

SIXTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WYOMING
2015 General Session

A JOINT RESOLUTION supporting policy initiatives that promote local food production in Wyoming and recognizing the value of growing, raising, processing and marketing local food products as an important segment of Wyoming agriculture.

WHEREAS,
Wyoming has a strong history of self-reliance, independence and providing a variety of foods to our families and communities; and

WHEREAS, Wyoming farmers, ranchers and growers across the state are establishing diversified agricultural businesses which produce high quality and healthy vegetables, meats, eggs,
honey,
milk and fruits for expanding consumer markets including farmers markets, farm-to-table, restaurants, community supported
agriculture
programs and school districts; and

WHEREAS, these Wyoming producers are increasing local food security, expanding job opportunities and increasing economic prosperity for Wyoming's rural and urban communities; and

WHEREAS, the Wyoming business c
ouncil has documented that local farmer's markets in Wyoming contribute over two million dollars ($2,000,000.00) to the local economy
,
local agricultural markets
, and
create long term jobs contributing over six hundred fifty thousand dollars ($650,000.00) in labor income; and

WHEREAS, there is great potential to expand the number and diversity of local food producers in Wyoming; and

WHEREAS, the
University of Wyoming, Wyoming department of a
griculture
, Wyoming Business Council
and other agencies
have increased support of local food education and development; and

WHEREAS, the Wyoming l
egislature has passed several bills in recent years to expand local food production opportunities for Wyoming producers; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of Wyoming to support these local food producers through innovative policy initiatives and reduced regulation.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WYOMING:

Section 1.

That the legislature of the state of Wyoming supports and recognizes the benefit of locally grown foods to our economy
, to the security of our food
supply
and to the health of our citizens

and recognizes local food production as a vital component of Wyoming's agricultural economy
.

Section 2.

That
the legislature of the state of Wyoming urges cooperative
and financial
support, educational resources and technical assistance from Wyoming executive agencies and educational institutions to promote local food production and consumer opportunities.

Section 3.

That the legislature of the state of Wyoming supports initiatives which encourage development of local and regional food systems including, but not limited to, local procurement laws, farm-to-school programs, cottage foods, food hubs, independent livestock feeding operations and
in-state
meat processing and encourages private investment and entrepreneurship and public-private partnerships to further the establishment of a local food base for Wyoming consumers.

Section 4
.

That the Secretary of State of Wyoming transmit copies of this resolution to
the members of the Wyoming County Commissioners Association, Wyoming Association of Municipalities and the Wyoming School Board Association.

(END)

Speaker of the House

President of the Senate

Governor

TIME APPROVED:
_________

DATE APPROVED: _________

I hereby certify that this act originated in the
House
.

Chief Clerk

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