MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2015 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Hudson, Butler (38th), Clarke, Gandy, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Montgomery, Ward
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE INTENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE FOR THE SUPPORT OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS REQUIRING THE USE OF "SOUND SCIENCE" IN EVALUATING CROP PROTECTION CHEMISTRIES AND NUTRIENTS.
WHEREAS, a sustainable agricultural system in the United States is critical to the continued production of food, feed, and fiber to meet both domestic and global demands; and
WHEREAS, the treatment, prevention and control of agricultural pests is critically important to the health and welfare of our residents and the safety of our global food, feed, and fiber supply; and
WHEREAS, the availability of modern agricultural technologies such as precision farming equipment, crop protection chemistries, genetically engineered or enhanced traits, and agricultural nutrients are critically important tools that allow farmers to expand yields, reduce environmental impacts, improve profitability and provide a safe, healthy, abundant and affordable food supply; and
WHEREAS, the agriculture and food production industries have a long history of success and safety in protecting and further enhancing the food, feed, and fiber supply of state residents and the world; and
WHEREAS, the agriculture industry is recognized as an important contributor to the economic vitality of the State of Mississippi through jobs, capital investment, farm income, value added sectors and contributions to the state's tax base; and
WHEREAS, the crop protection industry is among the most studied and regulated of all industries at both the state and federal levels; and
WHEREAS, the continued success of these industries and our nation's position as a world leader in crop protection chemistries, genetically engineered or enhanced traits and
nutrients depends on state and federal regulators utilizing science-based data to assess both product and ingredient safety; and
WHEREAS, sound science rather than the "precautionary principle" should be the bedrock of our nation's regulatory scheme:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That the State of Mississippi supports the use of science-based data to assess the impacts and the regulation of modern agricultural technologies, including, but not limited to, crop protection chemistries, genetically engineered or enhanced traits, and nutrients.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the State of Mississippi opposes legislative or regulatory action, whether at the federal, state, or other local level, that may result in unnecessary restrictions on the use of modern agricultural technologies, including, but not limited to, crop protection chemistries, genetically engineered or enhanced traits, and nutrients that are not based on sound science.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State shall transmit copies of this resolution to each member of the Mississippi Congressional Delegation, the Director of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce.