[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 128, 113th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 9170--SEPT. 19, 2014

Proclamation 9170 of September 19, 2014

National Farm Safety and Health Week, 2014

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Across our Nation, farmers and ranchers labor through difficult and
often dangerous conditions to write their chapter in the narrative that
sustains our Union. It is the story of hard work and ingenuity that
built our country--of a farmer who stretches the last moments of
daylight to tend his crops and a rancher who gathers her herd and
teaches her

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son the family trade. It is the story of America's agricultural sector,
which powers progress in our rural communities and moves our Nation
forward. As we recognize National Farm Safety and Health Week, we pay
tribute to our agriculturists and renew our efforts to ensure their
safety.
America depends on our farmers and ranchers to clothe our families, feed
our people, and fuel our cars and trucks. And with their determined
spirit and know-how, they have bolstered our economy with the strongest
5-year stretch of farm exports in our history. To support this vital
industry and build on its record growth, this year I signed the Farm
Bill, which lifts up small ranches and family farms by investing in
farmers markets and organic agriculture. It also provides crop
insurance, so that when disasters strike, our farmers do not lose
everything they have worked to build.
While our farmers and ranchers are the best in the world, agriculture
remains one of our country's most hazardous industries. Producers and
their families are exposed to numerous safety and health dangers--from
vehicular fatalities and heat-related illnesses to injuries from falls
and sicknesses from exposure to pesticides and chemicals. With
preparation and proper training, these risks can be limited and lives
can be saved. That is why my Administration continues to pursue
innovative and comprehensive ways to lessen these hazards. We have
invested in programs that improve youth farm safety, and last year, we
announced plans to support the development of a national safety training
curriculum for young agricultural workers.
This week, we salute all those who carry forward our Nation's proud
tradition on sprawling ranches and cross-hatched fields. Let us recommit
to raising awareness of the dangers they face and doing our part to
protect their health and well-being. Together, we can ensure a safer
future for this great American industry.
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 21 through
September 27, 2014, 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 farmworkers for their contributions to our Nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
ninth.
BARACK OBAMA