HomeMy WebLinkAbout5585 RESOLUTION NO. 5585
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
AUBURN, WASHINGTON, EXPRESSING SOLIDARITY WITI-1
FARMERS PROTESTING TI-IE PASSAGE OF TI-IE FARMING
BILLS IN INDIA, AND IN SUPPORT OF WASHINGTON
RESIDENTS ADVERSELY AFFECTED
WHEREAS, the State of Washington is a proud farming community that understands and
respects the contributions of farmers in other nations; and
WHEREAS, the State of Washington is home to thousands of farmers who still own
farmland in their ancestral countries; and
WHEREAS, the Indian government passed three farming bills in September 2020,
including the Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce Act, the Farmers Agreement on Price
Assurance and Farm Services Act, and the Essential Commodities Act, which collectively
dismantled minimum support prices for crops, removed restrictions on purchase of land by
corporations, and removed limits on stockpiling commodities; and
WHEREAS, the deregulating and privatization of farmer markets in India adversely affects
the financial situation of many Indian farmers as well as their families that live in Washington;
and
WHEREAS, India's agriculture sector contributes nearly 15 percent of India's $2.9 trillion
economy but employs nearly half of the country's 1.3 billion people; and
WHEREAS, 86% of Indian farmers only own two or fewer acres of farmland with an
average income of $1,400 per year and do not have the means to bargain with large, private
corporations; and
WHEREAS, anti-farmer policies, debt, and a deteriorating financial status have led to
363,726 farmers and farm laborers committing suicide between 1995 and 2019; and
Resolution No. 5585
February 24,2021
Page 1 oft Rev.2020
WHEREAS, the passage of the laws set off protests in Indian and numerous rallies have
been held in Washington protesting the bills; and
WHEREAS, farmers have the right to demonstrate peacefully and the City Council
condemns any police brutality occurring over protests of these bills in India.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUBURN,
WASHINGTON, RESOLVES as follows:
Section 1. The City Council of the City of Auburn stands in solidarity with those
Washington residents and their families directly affected by the farming bills passed in India.
Section 2. The Mayor is authorized to implement those administrative procedures
necessary to carry out the directives of this legislation.
Section 3. This Resolution will take effect and be in full force on passage and
signatures.
Dated and Signed: March 15, 2021.
CITY OF AUBURN
ANCY iii KUS, MAYOR
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Shawn Campbell. MMC, City Clerk Kendra Comeau, City Attorney
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Resolution No. 5585
February 24,2021
Page 2 of Rev. 2020