The legislature finds that:
(1) agriculture has been a critical element in the economic, cultural, and historical development of this state;(2) the impact of agriculture in this state is declining, due to urbanization, economic changes, and changes in agriculture;(3) the effects of those changes are not limited to rural areas and the agricultural community but affect citizens throughout the state, including those in urban areas;(4) agriculture is a vital component of a diversified state economy and creates numerous businesses and job opportunities;(5) agriculture is directly and substantially affected by factors beyond the control of the industry, including adverse weather conditions and changes in world commodity markets;(6) agriculture renews the natural resources of this state through the annual production of crops and livestock; and(7) to ensure that agriculture remains a vital force in this state, the state must assess the condition of agriculture and the role of state government and develop an agricultural policy to guide governmental actions.Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 301, Sec. 2, eff. 5/29/1999.