Rep. Kurtz offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 148.   

            A resolution to encourage school boards throughout the state to establish policies that ensure that agricultural science courses count toward graduation.

            Whereas, While traditional roles of agriculture were once reserved for farming, today's agricultural education highlights modern business practices. Agricultural science continues to reinvent itself through technological and innovative developments. Modern agricultural corporations need more researchers, experts, and analysts; and

            Whereas, Careers in agriculture today are diverse and widespread, involving not only traditional agriculture, but agribusiness management, communications, building construction management, agri-science, resource development and management, natural resources, parks, recreation, tourism, forestry, packaging, and food science. Agri-science curriculums also draw heavily on traditional core-subject areas, such as chemistry and science. Students learn technical and analytical skills in agricultural programs that will prove useful in any number of educational and career pathways; and

            Whereas, The role that agriculture has played in Michigan's cultural and economic life over the years is well established. The difficulties facing so many industries in recent years have only served to amplify the stability, strength, and potential of all aspects of agriculture as a cornerstone of our economy; and

            Whereas, Agri-science is not limited to rural school districts. Agri-science deals with many aspects of urban life. Experts have stated that 80 percent of the agricultural processing jobs may be found in urban and suburban communities in the future. Urban farming, sustainability, and local food production have become essential in our new economy; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we encourage school boards throughout the state to establish policies that ensure that agricultural science courses count toward graduation; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Department of Education, the Michigan Association of School Boards, and the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals.