SR0552 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0552 LRB103 35007 MST 64927 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The United States of America, as a nation, should be committed to the welfare, prosperity, and resilience of all of its territories, including Puerto Rico; and

WHEREAS, Puerto Rico currently imports approximately 85% of its food, leaving it vulnerable to global market fluctuations and potential supply chain disruptions; and

WHEREAS, Strengthening Puerto Rico's local agricultural sector by reprogramming United States Department of Agriculture funds toward purchasing locally grown items will significantly enhance food sovereignty and resilience on the island; and

WHEREAS, Supporting local agriculture in Puerto Rico has the potential to stimulate economic growth, creating jobs and encouraging entrepreneurship within the agricultural sector, including increasing commerce between the island and the more than 200,000-strong Illinois Puerto Rican diaspora; and

WHEREAS, The initiative will promote sustainable agricultural practices and reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transportation, thereby contributing to global climate change mitigation efforts; and

WHEREAS, Food sovereignty can bolster Puerto Rico's ability to recover from natural disasters, reducing the reliance on federal aid and demonstrating a model for resilience that could be replicated across the country; and

WHEREAS, Encouraging the production and consumption of locally grown produce can foster the preservation of Puerto Rico's rich culinary traditions, promote healthier eating habits, and enrich our national cultural heritage; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we express our strong support for the initiative to reprogram USDA funds allocated to Puerto Rico toward purchasing locally grown items in Puerto Rico; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge the United States Congress to endorse and implement this initiative in recognition of its potential to foster economic growth, promote sustainability, enhance resilience, and enrich cultural heritage; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the President of the United States, the U.S. Senate Majority Leader, the U.S. Senate Minority Leader, the U.S. Speaker of the House, the U.S. House of Representatives Minority Leader, all members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation, and the Governor of Puerto Rico.