HR0990 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0990 LRB100 21567 MST 38565 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois is ranked fifth in economic size in the United States and is one of the top 25 economies in the world; and

WHEREAS, Illinois agriculture and agribusiness are among the most efficient and productive in the world; they contribute $121 billion annually to the Illinois economy and support over 400,000 Illinois jobs; and

WHEREAS, Every Illinois farmer feeds more than 150 people per year; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois has fertile soils, favorable growing conditions, and a vast network of natural and man-made transportation assets that allows its farmers and food companies to efficiently and cost effectively compete in grain, meat, and processed food markets; and

WHEREAS, Exports are critical to agriculture, and farmers and agribusiness have worked diligently for decades to grow overseas markets; agriculture is one of the few U.S. industries that consistently has a positive trade balance; and

WHEREAS, Illinois farmers count on sales to export markets for more than 20% of their income, as 95% of the world's population lives outside the U.S.; and

WHEREAS, Illinois is the leading producer of soybeans, producing 612 million bushels in 2017; it exports nearly 60% of our state's soybean production with a value of $3.5 annually; and

WHEREAS, Pork production is an important economic engine for the State of Illinois and nearly 26% of the pork produced in the United States is exported; and

WHEREAS, Illinois is a leading producer and exporter of corn; one out of every three bushels of U.S. corn is exported; and

WHEREAS, Grain prices remain at or below the cost of production and net farm income in the U.S. has fallen by 50% since 2013; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we re-affirm our commitment to the agricultural community in the State of Illinois and toward the increase in agricultural exports to other parts of the world; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we remain vigilant in ensuring that the U.S. remain a leader by continuing to expand market opportunities for U.S. agriculture and other industries; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the Illinois Congressional Delegation, the President of the United States, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, and the U.S. Trade Ambassador.