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WHEREAS, the New Jersey Museum of Agriculture is a not-for-profit educational institution that showcases and communicates the unique role of the Garden State in the growth and development of agriculture and the impact of agriculture’s contributions to society over time; and

WHEREAS, the New Jersey Museum of Agriculture, founded in 1984, is a 30,000 square foot facility that serves as the sole public repository for New Jersey’s agricultural heritage; and

WHEREAS, the mission of the New Jersey Museum of Agriculture is to “communicate the vital relationship of agriculture to food and fiber, science and technology, the environment and everyday life through exhibits and educational programs connecting the past, present and future”; and

WHEREAS, the New Jersey Museum of Agriculture has a vision to be “recognized as a premier destination and educational resource that fosters an appreciation of the dynamic and integral role of agriculture in all facets of life”; and

WHEREAS, the New Jersey Museum of Agriculture has seen a steady increase in the number of school children visiting each year, from 5,277 from 98 schools in 2002 to 9,724 from 123 schools in 2004; and

WHEREAS, the expansion of the Museum’s education programs is a worthy goal as it increases the knowledge among our State’s residents about the value of agriculture in maintaining a high quality of life in New Jersey; and

WHEREAS, like many public institutions, lack of funding remains a constant struggle, as well as a hindrance to the ability of the museum to adequately convey its important message to the public; therefore, support from New Jersey’s agricultural industry, both financial and other, is needed to keep New Jersey’s agricultural story alive.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the delegates to the 91st State Agricultural Convention, assembled in Atlantic City, New Jersey on February 8, 2006, call on all New Jersey agricultural organizations to renew their appreciation and financial support for the museum.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED
, that we call upon the Governor, and the State Legislature to continue to support the New Jersey Museum of Agriculture by identifying a stable funding source for Museum operations, capable of providing the museum with sufficient financial resources to cover both the operational costs and promotional costs to ensure the public is aware that this invaluable institution exists.