[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 126, 112th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8822--MAY 14, 2012

Proclamation 8822 of May 14, 2012

150th Anniversary of the United States Department of Agriculture

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On May 15, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed legislation to
establish the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and
codified a commitment to the health of our people and our land. One
hundred and fifty years later, USDA continues to realize that vision of
service by applying sound public policy and science to an evolving food
and agriculture system.
The USDA has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the American people for
generations. During the Great Depression, the Department helped bring an
end to the Dust Bowl by promoting soil conservation. Through two World
Wars, the Victory Garden Program fed troops and families around the
world. The USDA worked to bring electric power to rural communities,
establish the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance and School Lunch
Programs, implement our Nation's food safety regulations, and protect
our forests and private lands. For one-and-a-half centuries, USDA has
empowered communities across our country and helped ensure we leave our
children a future rich with promise and possibility.
Today, USDA continues to serve the public interest by providing
leadership on agriculture, natural resources, safe and nutritious food,
research, and a broad spectrum of related issues. With partners across
the public sector and throughout industry, USDA is working to develop
and expand markets for agricultural products, grow our businesses and
our economy, and protect the quality of our food supply and our
environment. As part of the White House Rural Council, the Department is
striving to expand opportunity for millions of families by promoting job
growth and investing in infrastructure that will drive progress in the
21st century. Through the Feed the Future initiative, USDA is supporting
America's commitment to combat hunger and improve food security
worldwide. And with the America's Great Outdoors initiative, USDA is
supporting community-based conservation initiatives that will preserve
our natural heritage for generations to come.


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As we commemorate this historic milestone, we pay tribute to the men and
women of USDA, past and present, who have faithfully served our Nation
for 150 years. For their commitment, our fields grow richer, our
abundance grows greater, and our country stands stronger.
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 May 15, 2012, as the
150th Anniversary of the United States Department of Agriculture. I call
upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs,
ceremonies, and activities that honor the United States Department of
Agriculture for its lasting contributions to the welfare of our Nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
sixth.
BARACK OBAMA