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Special recognition honoring March 19 - March 25 as National Agriculture Week.
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SPECIAL RECOGNITION
WHEREAS, National Agriculture Week will be celebrated March 19 - 25, 2023; and
WHEREAS, Illinois is home to more than 71,000 farms; and
WHEREAS, Lake County accounts for 302 of those farms, 94% of which are family-owned and operated; and
WHEREAS, Lake County has over 30,000 acres of farmland; and
WHEREAS, Lake County is home to over 15 farmers markets that help provide fresh fruits and vegetables to our residents; and
WHEREAS, agriculture supports 7,168 jobs which accounts for an estimated 2 percent of total jobs in the county; and
WHEREAS, agriculture and related industries generate total sales or output is estimated at $1,893 billion; and
WHEREAS, Illinois farmers support the food security of our citizens. The international pandemic displayed the importance of American food systems, processing, and supply chain weaknesses; and
WHEREAS, new livestock development accounts for additional jobs creating additional economic growth within the county; and
WHEREAS, farmers are dedicated to caring for their animals in ways that also benefit the land. Using tools and technology to better manage soil nutrients, water runoff and air quality on the farm, farmers are using fewer natural resources and reducing their carbon footprint while producing more food; and
WHEREAS, farmland is a finite resource that is vital to agriculture, food production, and the economic well-being of our county; and
WHEREAS, farmers in Illinois face multiple layers of regulation involving state and federal agencies providing a comprehensive, robust regulatory program for all farms including those raising livestock; and
WHEREAS, data and information from state regulatory agencies demonstrates environmental issues from agriculture are an extremely rare occurrence; and
WHEREAS, the county recognizes the value agriculture contributes to our county and the rural way ...
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