A HOUSE RESOLUTION recognizing the importance to the economy of the state of north carolina of biobased and value‑added agribusiness.
Whereas, North Carolina's agricultural production is one of the highest in the nation; and
Whereas, North Carolina's transportation infrastructure offers excellent support for agribusiness by way of highway, rail, and ocean delivery systems; and
Whereas, North Carolina's State and county governments have demonstrated strong support for new and expanding commercial enterprises; and
Whereas, North Carolina has historically offered agriculture and businesses an excellent and productive labor force; and
Whereas, biobased and value‑added products are rapidly replacing petroleum‑based products with fuels, feeds, medicines, and other materials from renewable plant resources that create less pollution, are more biodegradable, and generally have fewer harmful environmental impacts; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The House of Representatives of the State of North Carolina supports business and agency efforts to increase North Carolina's position in utilizing the State's productivity in agriculture and forestry by expanding biobased and value‑added products.
SECTION 2.  The House of Representatives of the State of North Carolina encourages the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to take the lead in expanding biobased and value‑added production using current crops and fiber and exploring new production opportunities for the State's farmers.
SECTION 3.  The House of Representatives of the State of North Carolina requests that the United States Department of Agriculture provide suitable funding to North Carolina from the 2002 Farm Bill Value‑Added Agriculture Product Market Development Grants to assist independent producers, farmer cooperatives, and others in further refining agricultural commodities and biobased opportunities.
SECTION 4.  The Principal Clerk shall send a copy of this resolution to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and to the United States Department of Agriculture.
SECTION 5.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.