Rep. Hansen offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 421.

A resolution recognizing September 18, 2008, as Buy Fresh, Buy Local, Select Michigan Day in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, If every Michigan household spent just $10 per week on Michigan-produced food, it would generate an additional $37 billion to circulate in our state’s economy each and every week; and

Whereas, Michigan farmers produce more than 200 agricultural commodities, making it the second-most agriculturally diverse state in the nation; and

Whereas, Michigan agriculture contributes $63.7 billion to the state’s economy, making it the second-largest economic industry in the state behind the automotive industry; and

Whereas, The rise in consumer demand for fresh, local food has nearly doubled the number of farmers markets in the state in less than a decade, from only 90 in 2001 to more than 170 today; and

Whereas, Buying locally connects consumers and farmers, helping them to know where their food comes from and how it’s grown; and

Whereas, Buying food that is grown and produced in Michigan delivers a fresher product to consumers and supports family farms, agri-businesses, rural and urban communities and the local economy; and

Whereas, A special day and farmers market celebration, sponsored by Michigan Food and Farming Systems and the Michigan Department of Agriculture with support from the Michigan Farmers Market Association and the Food Bank Council of Michigan, has been set aside to celebrate Michigan farmers and local food; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare September 1 8, 2008, as Buy Fresh, Buy Local, Select Michigan Day in the state of Michigan.  We encourage all Michigan citizens to “Buy Fresh and Buy Local” to support and preserve Michigan’s agricultural heritage.