[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