[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 183 (Wednesday, September 21, 2011)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 58711-58712]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-24445]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 183 / Wednesday, September 21, 2011 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 58711]]


                Proclamation 8716 of September 16, 2011

                
National Farm Safety and Health Week, 2011

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                The food, fiber, and fuel generated by our agricultural 
                sector are vital to America's 21st-century economy. 
                Farmers represent the best of the American dream--
                passing on proud traditions of hard work and commitment 
                to their children. This week, we celebrate farmers' 
                contributions to the fabric of our Nation as they 
                cultivate the products that sustain us, serve as 
                stewards of our environment, and stand as the backbone 
                of communities across our country.

                The self-discipline and determination of farm 
                communities have allowed them to persevere through 
                drought, storms, and hard times, always emerging strong 
                and vibrant. Each day, our farmers, ranchers, and 
                agricultural workers face multiple dangers. They work 
                with heavy machinery, livestock, and toxic materials, 
                and in potentially dangerous environments like grain 
                elevators and processing facilities. Physically 
                demanding and all-encompassing, farm work requires the 
                resourcefulness and grit that has been essential to our 
                Nation's success. This week, we pay tribute to the 
                tremendous work ethic of America's farmers, and 
                encourage safe farm practices for all.

                Supporting farmers, ranchers, and growers is critical 
                to creating and sustaining a thriving economy. My 
                Administration has worked to create new markets for 
                these products, and to provide assistance to farms, 
                supporting jobs across our country. We continue to work 
                to make capital more accessible and help aspiring young 
                farmers buy land. Farms are critical to achieving our 
                goal of doubling our exports, and American agricultural 
                exports are now worth over $100 billion a year. They 
                are also the source of biofuels that will help lead us 
                to energy independence. My Administration is working to 
                speed the development of next-generation biofuels, and 
                their production will benefit farmers, rural 
                communities, and Americans across our country.

                As the fall harvest begins, I encourage farm and ranch 
                families to embrace safe farming practices and to 
                participate in farm safety and health programs. 
                Communities and neighbors can support local farmers by 
                understanding the risks involved with farm work and the 
                role everyone can play in preventing and responding to 
                accidents. We are grateful for the fruits of every 
                farmer's labor, and we honor their tireless dedication 
                to the well-being of their families and our Nation.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim September 18 through 
                September 24, 2011, as National Farm Safety and Health 
                Week. I call upon the agencies, organizations, 
                businesses, and extension services that serve America's 
                agricultural workers to strengthen their commitment to 
                promoting farm safety and health programs. I also urge 
                Americans to honor our agricultural heritage and 
                express appreciation to our farmers, ranchers, and 
                farm-workers for their remarkable contributions to our 
                Nation.

[[Page 58712]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                sixteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2011-24445
Filed 9-20-11; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W1-P