    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 8605--NOV. 19, 2010

    Proclamation 8605 of November 19, 2010
    National Farm-City Week, 2010
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    America's farms have long been vital to our Nation. They contribute to
    our public health, safeguard our environmental resources, and stand at
    the forefront of our country's path toward energy independence. We must
    continue supporting the vital relationship between American farms and
    families, and work to ensure that farming remains an economically,
    socially, and environmentally sustainable way of life for future
    generations. During National Farm-City Week, we recognize the myriad
    contributions our Nation's farmers and ranchers make toward furthering
    the health and well-being of our country.
    The connection between rural industries and urban markets is stronger
    than ever, and Americans across the country are finding ways to
    participate in and celebrate the importance of agriculture and related
    in-

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    dustries. Rising interest in local and regional food highlights farmers'
    contributions in connecting urban, suburban, and rural areas. American
    children are learning about the origins of our food and healthy food
    options by visiting farms, learning from hard-working farmers and
    ranchers, and trying their hand at agriculture through networks of
    school gardens and farm-to-school programs. Thanks to their constant
    enterprise and innovation, rural communities are building new domestic
    and international markets for their high-quality food, fuel, and fiber
    products. As our agricultural industries continue to feed individuals at
    home and around the globe, we must help ensure robust and vibrant rural
    communities to support them.
    For agriculture to thrive, we must remain committed to protecting our
    valuable natural resources and diverse ecosystems. In April, I launched
    the America's Great Outdoors Initiative to develop a 21st-century
    conservation agenda that will reconnect Americans with the outdoors and
    protect our Nation's vast and varied natural heritage. Senior officials
    throughout my Administration have travelled across the country to farms,
    State fairs, and community meetings to learn about innovative ways
    farmers, ranchers, tribes, conservationists, and concerned citizens are
    working together to preserve our rich agricultural legacy.
    While we gather with family and friends during this time of
    Thanksgiving, let us celebrate farms of every size that produce the
    abundance that graces our tables. During National Farm-City Week, as the
    bounty of agriculture moves from America's farms to our tables, we honor
    all who foster our healthier future.
    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 November 19 through
    November 25, 2010, as National Farm-City Week. I call on all Americans
    to reflect on the accomplishments of those who dedicate their lives to
    promoting our Nation's agricultural abundance and environmental
    stewardship.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of
    November, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    fifth.
    BARACK OBAMA