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The extended food industry complex contributes more than $70 billion to the state's economy. The food and agriculture industry employs more than 350,000 people at more than 25,000 firms. Because these figures rival New Jersey's leading industries, the role of food production, from farm to table, has to be addressed when we look at the health of agriculture and in developing a smart growth strategy. As we move into a global marketplace, understanding the trends in the food industry and meeting consumer demands will become key for successful production agriculture. Changes in field harvest foods are issues that are equally as important as how we market those products. Overriding these issues is the need to address food safety and security.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, we the delegates of the 88th State Agricultural Convention assembled in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on January 29, 2003 support efforts of the Department of Agriculture and Cook College and the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station of Rutgers University to continue to improve the working relationship of agriculture and the food industry.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we support research to improve technologies that can enhance food processing in the state for both on farm and commercial application.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we support comprehensive planning for process industry development to include business development incentives and placement assistance that closely link production with processing and distribution.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we support efforts that improve food safety for consumers, including on-farm handling and storage for quality, and education for safe handling and nutritional and dietary requirements for a healthy population.