HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 29
(By Delegate Beach)

(Originating in the House Committee on
Agriculture and Natural Resources)

(March 9, 1994)

Directing the Joint Committee on Agriculture to conduct an interim study relating to the development of a comprehensive strategy to maintain and to enhance the role of agriculture and forestry in the West Virginia economy.

Whereas, The Legislature finds that agriculture and forestry are components of the economies of many West Virginia counties, and as such contribute to the State's economic stability through economic multiplier effects; and

Whereas, The Legislature finds that a comprehensive study of the agriculture and forestry industries is required to determine what public policy initiatives are needed to, among other things, promote farmland and forest preservation in West Virginia; to maintain the role of agriculture and forestry in the West Virginia economy; and to encourage the future growth of agriculture and forestry as a part of the West Virginia economy; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Agriculture are directed to meet as an interim Joint Committee on Agriculture and to review, examine and study the status of agriculture and forestry in West Virginia; to determine what public policy initiatives are needed to promote farmland and forest preservation in West Virginia; to maintain the role of agriculture and forestry in the West Virginia economy; to encourage the future growth of agriculture and forestry as a part of the West Virginia economy; and to make recommendations to the Legislature regarding the same; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Agriculture be authorized to conduct public hearings at one or more places throughout the State for the purpose of receiving public comment on the issues under consideration and be authorized to take testimony at any such hearing; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Agriculture report to the regular session of the Legislature, 1995, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, and to include with its report drafts of any proposed legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft any proposed legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Agriculture.