EXECUTIVE ORDER
99-04

WHEREAS, agriculture is a critical industry to the State of Missouri, providing a safe, abundant and affordable supply of food and fiber for the state, the nation and the world; and

WHEREAS, farming forges strong rural communities that foster thriving businesses, and a high quality way of life; and

WHEREAS, Missouri ranks second in the United States in number of farms; and

WHEREAS, Missouri's 102,000 farms produced more than $5.56 billion worth of agricultural goods in 1997, with almost $1.55 billion exported to foreign markets; and

WHEREAS, agriculture provides the foundation for a variety of related businesses, from pharmaceuticals to equipment; and

WHEREAS, agricultural-related businesses in Missouri employ one out of every 6.6 workers; and

WHEREAS, Missouri's hog producers are an integral component to the state's agriculture industry, with Missouri ranking seventh in hog production among all states; and

WHEREAS, today's hog prices are some of the lowest in history, causing many Missouri farmers to go out of business and be unable to provide for their families; and

WHEREAS, it's estimated that U.S. hog producers lost more than $2.5 billion in 1998, and will lose about $2 billion in 1999; and

WHEREAS, when our farm economy is depressed, the whole state suffers; and

WHEREAS, it is imperative in times of crisis that government provide help when it can;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mel Carnahan, Governor of the State of Missouri, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Missouri, do hereby declare all executive departments shall promote and encourage the consumption of pork.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Missouri, in the City of Jefferson, on this 5th day of February, 1999.

[Mel Carnahan's signature]
GOVERNOR

ATTEST:

[Rebecca McDowell Cook's signature]
SECRETARY OF STATE

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