[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 56 (Thursday, March 22, 2018)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 12471-12472]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-05980]


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                         Presidential Documents 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 56 / Thursday, March 22, 2018 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 12471]]

                Proclamation 9708 of March 19, 2018

                
National Agriculture Day, 2018

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                On National Agriculture Day, we acknowledge the 
                tremendous work ethic, ingenuity, determination, and 
                perseverance that define generations of American 
                farmers. Because of their efforts, the United States 
                produces an abundant supply of food, feed, and fuel for 
                a growing global population. Our rich and abundant soil 
                provides for more than just sustenance--it provides a 
                beautiful and bountiful way of life for millions of 
                Americans.

                America's strong agricultural sector is a key component 
                of our Nation's robust economy and trade. Every $1 of 
                United States agricultural and food exports creates 
                another $1.27 in business activity. Our country's 
                agriculture exports are valued at more than $100 
                billion, and every $1 billion in exports supports 
                approximately 8,000 American jobs. Moreover, 
                agriculture contributes to at least 8.6 percent of our 
                gross domestic product. The economic boost from our 
                agriculture reaches beyond the fields our farmers tend, 
                with unrivaled skill and diligence, to communities all 
                across America.

                America's farmers, growers, ranchers, foresters, and 
                agricultural scientists and engineers are world-leading 
                innovators, exploring new research and technologies 
                like advancements in biotechnology and the use of 
                automated vehicles that enable precision agriculture to 
                maximize yields and minimize environmental impacts. My 
                Administration proudly supports them in their 
                pioneering endeavors. In this new era of American 
                agriculture, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is 
                investing in rural broadband access, roads, and 
                bridges, and is supplying affordable, reliable power to 
                those living on the outskirts of larger cities and 
                towns. These investments in American infrastructure 
                will improve the quality of life in rural America for 
                years to come.

                To help the American agricultural economy succeed in an 
                increasingly competitive global market, I signed the 
                Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the largest tax cut and reform 
                legislation in American history. This legislation is 
                providing much needed relief to America's farmers, who 
                can now expense 100 percent of their capital 
                investments, including expenditures for farm equipment, 
                over the next 4 years. Additionally, under this new 
                legislation, the vast majority of family farms will now 
                be exempt from the death tax.

                American agriculture is an integral part of our success 
                as a Nation, uniquely tied to both our country's 
                culture and economy. Today, and every day, we cherish 
                our Nation's rich agricultural history and celebrate 
                the greatness of the American farmer.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, 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 March 20, 2018, as 
                National Agriculture Day. I encourage all Americans to 
                observe this day by recognizing the preeminent role 
                that agriculture plays in our daily lives, 
                acknowledging agriculture's continuing importance to 
                rural America and our country's economy, and expressing 
                our deep appreciation of farmers, growers, ranchers, 
                producers, national forest system stewards, private 
                agricultural stewards, and those who work in the 
                agriculture sector across the Nation.

[[Page 12472]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                nineteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand eighteen, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and forty-
                second.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2018-05980
 3-21-18; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F8-P