REQUESTING THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC EDUCATION AND THE NEW MEXICO DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO COLLABORATE ON INCREASING THE USE OF NEW MEXICO AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS IN PREPARING SCHOOL MEALS IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

WHEREAS, the public schools purchase a large volume of agricultural products for the purpose of providing meals for students and faculty; and

WHEREAS, farmers and ranchers in New Mexico have a long and proud history of raising high-quality agricultural products, including meat products, dairy products, chile, honey, fruits, nuts and vegetables; and

WHEREAS, increased use of New Mexico agricultural products in meals prepared at public schools would expand marketing and selling opportunities for New Mexico farmers and ranchers; and

WHEREAS, increased use of New Mexico agricultural products in public school meals would allow students and faculty at the schools an opportunity to enjoy meals prepared with products raised in our own state; and

WHEREAS, in 1992, the legislature passed a memorial requesting that the public schools increase the use of New Mexico agricultural products for preparation of school meals; and

WHEREAS, further work appears to be necessary to evaluate procedures needed to implement this policy;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the state department of public education and the New Mexico department of agriculture be requested to jointly collaborate to evaluate the opportunities for the public schools to use New Mexico agricultural products in preparing school meals; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the state department of public education and the New Mexico department of agriculture.