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HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 33
INTRODUCED BY A. OLSEN
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF MARKET-SENSITIVE CROPS AND AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGIES ON MARKETS FOR MONTANA AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS.
WHEREAS, agriculture is Montana's top production industry and comprises a central and vital component of this state's economy; and
WHEREAS, wheat consistently tops exports of all Montana products in dollar value; and
WHEREAS, Montana's agricultural economy has grown in response to demand for more diverse crops, such as pulse crops and other specialty crops; and
WHEREAS, export markets have demonstrated volatility due to foreign and domestic trade policies, developing technologies, and instability with global supply and demand; and
WHEREAS, many of Montana's export customers place restrictions on market-sensitive crops, such as genetically engineered products and market-sensitive agricultural technologies, including chemical applications; and
WHEREAS, three-fourths or more of Montana's wheat is exported, much of it to these sensitive markets; and
WHEREAS, Montana's agricultural producers have suffered financial losses when other countries have rejected shipments of their Montana-grown products because of the unexpected presence of sensitive crop material and due to the application of market-sensitive agricultural technologies, including those that result in chemical residues that diminish crop value; and
WHEREAS, the Legislature recognizes the importance of maintaining export markets for Montana's agricultural commodities.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:
That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, or direct sufficient staff resources to examine past market impacts related to market-sensitive crops or the use of market-sensitive agricultural technologies, including detrimental chemical residues on crops grown in Montana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the study review:
(1) the existing export markets for Montana agricultural products;
(2) the shipping processes used for major Montana agricultural exports, including the combination of some of Montana's agricultural products with those of nearby states, which results in either upgraded or downgraded quality of the overall product, and the financial impact of that combination for Montana producers;
(3) the degree to which import restrictions or prohibitions related to market-sensitive crops and agricultural technologies are affecting exports of Montana agricultural products, including the potential financial impact of the restrictions;
(4) the scope of current federal and state regulations regarding the protection of quality for Montana agricultural products and the options for state regulation in the face of import restrictions and prohibitions;
(5) the costs and benefits of market-sensitive crops and the use of agricultural technologies in Montana in terms of profitability, minimalization of chemical applications, unintended consequences, and other impacts on both conventional and organic producers, including but not limited to:
(a) the costs or savings to an average Montana producer of producing market-sensitive commodities and using market-sensitive agricultural technologies on a per-acre and per-bushel basis;
(b) the market impacts on Montana commodity prices from introduction of market-sensitive crops and market-sensitive agricultural technologies, using for comparison a neighboring state, if any, that has experienced these types of market impacts;
(c) the impacts reported by Montana producers who do not grow market-sensitive crops or use market-sensitive technologies on the integrity of their crops.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if the study is assigned to staff, any findings or conclusions be presented to and reviewed by an appropriate committee designated by the Legislative Council.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2020.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions, comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 67th Legislature.
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Latest Version of HJ 33 (HJ0033.01)
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