Senate to Honor Oklahoma Agriculture

As part of National Agriculture Week, which continues through March 25, State Sen. Daisy Lawler will present a resolution on the Senate Floor Wednesday proclaiming March 22, 2006, to be Agriculture Day in the State of Oklahoma. The resolution will be heard when the Senate convenes at 1:30 p.m.

“There are many events throughout the session at the State Capitol, but Ag Day is always a favorite,” said Lawler, D-Comanche. “Visitors to the State Capitol on Wednesday will be able to sample a variety of Made in Oklahoma products like beef, cheese, salsa and more, but it is also an opportunity to remind everyone how important agriculture is to our state’s economy and our identity.” The yearly Ag Day event is sponsored by the Department of Agriculture.

Lawler, chair of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Economic Development Committee, said agriculture remains one of the state’s top employers, providing jobs for one in every six Oklahomans and contributing at least $9 billion a year to Oklahoma’s economy.

“We are the nation’s third-largest beef producer, and we rank eighth in pork production,” said Lawler. “We’re also the second-largest producer of winter wheat.”

Lawler is also principal author of Senate Bill 1515, the Farm-to-School bill, which is aimed at promoting better health and nutrition and boosting the sale of locally produced fruits and vegetables by bringing local schools and farms together. That legislation is now awaiting House action.

“When we promote agriculture, we’re promoting Oklahoma,” Lawler said. “I’d like to invite everyone who is at the Capitol Wednesday to be sure and visit the many displays that will be on the fourth floor promoting Oklahoma agricultural products—and to buy Made in Oklahoma products throughout the year.”