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A MEMORIAL

DECLARING JANUARY 31, 2008 AS "FARM WORKERS' DAY" AT THE HOUSE

OF REPRESENTATIVES.

WHEREAS, agriculture's contribution to New Mexico's

heritage and economic health is well known; and

WHEREAS, in 2005 the farm and ranch community had

product sales totaling two billion six hundred million dollars

($2,600,000,000); and

WHEREAS, major farm production in New Mexico includes

cattle, sheep and wool, dairies and dairy products, alfalfa

and other hays, wheat, sorghum, cotton, chile, pecans,

lettuce, corn and onions; and

WHEREAS, the production of many of these products would

not be possible without the approximately twelve thousand farm

and ranch workers in New Mexico; and

WHEREAS, farm and ranch workers in New Mexico have been

tending crops and livestock for more than ninety years, when

large-scale agriculture began in this state; and

WHEREAS, during this time, farm and ranch workers have

been the backbone of much of the farming and ranching

industry; and

WHEREAS, farm and ranch workers labor in one of the most

dangerous occupations in the nation, and each year one hundred

twenty thousand agricultural workers throughout the country

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suffer disabling injuries from work-related accidents; and

WHEREAS, many farm and ranch workers receive little

recognition for their work; and

WHEREAS, all New Mexicans benefit from the labor of farm

and ranch workers;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF

REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that January 31,

2008 be declared "Farm Workers' Day" at the house of

representatives to honor the hardworking people whose role in

New Mexico's economy is of great importance to all residents

of the state.