A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that public policy should continue to protect and strengthen the ability of farmers and ranchers to join together in cooperative self-help efforts.

        [Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Con. Res. 119 Referred in House (RFH)]

2d Session
S. CON. RES. 119

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

December 5, 2006

Referred to the Committee on Agriculture

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CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Expressing the sense of Congress that public policy should continue to
protect and strengthen the ability of farmers and ranchers to join
together in cooperative self-help efforts.

Whereas the ability of farmers and ranchers in the United States to join
together in cooperative self-help efforts is vital to their continued
economic viability;
Whereas Federal laws have long recognized the importance of protecting and
strengthening the ability of farmers and ranchers to join together in
cooperative self-help efforts, including to cooperatively market their
products, ensure access to competitive markets, and help achieve other
important public policy goals;
Whereas farmer- and rancher-owned cooperatives play an important role in helping
farmers and ranchers improve their income from the marketplace, manage
their risk, meet their credit and other input needs, and compete more
effectively in a rapidly changing global economy;
Whereas farmer- and rancher-owned cooperatives also play an important role in
providing consumers in the United States and abroad with a dependable
supply of safe, affordable, high-quality food, fiber, and related
products;
Whereas farmer- and rancher-owned cooperatives also help meet the energy needs
of the United States, including through the production and marketing of
renewable fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel;
Whereas there are nearly 3,000 farmer- and rancher-owned cooperatives located
throughout the United States with a combined membership representing a
majority of the nearly 2 million farmers and ranchers in the United
States; and
Whereas farmer- and rancher-owned cooperatives also contribute significantly to
the economic well being of rural America as well as the overall economy,
including accounting for as many as 250,000 jobs: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring),
That it is the Sense of the Congress that public policy should continue
to protect and strengthen the ability of farmers and ranchers to join
together in cooperative self-help efforts--
(1) to improve their income from the marketplace and their
economic well-being;
(2) to capitalize on new market opportunities; and
(3) to help meet the food and fiber needs of consumers,
provide for increased energy production, promote rural
development, maintain and create needed jobs, and contribute to
a growing United States economy.

Passed the Senate November 16, 2006.

Attest:

EMILY J. REYNOLDS,

Secretary.