[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 125, 112th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
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 ma

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chinery, 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.
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.
BARACK OBAMA