[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 131, 115th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9640 of September 15, 2017

National Farm Safety and Health Week, 2017

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

As the fall harvest begins, we reflect on the vital contributions of
hard-working American farmers, ranchers, and foresters, and we commit to
ensuring their health and their safety. During National Farm Safety and
Health Week, we recognize the men and women of our great Nation who work
the land, often times at their own risk, to supply the United States and
the world with essential products while creating jobs, supporting the
economy, and protecting our environment and natural resources for future
generations.
Farmers, ranchers, foresters, and their families play critical roles in
meeting our Nation's needs for food, fiber, forestry, fuel, and jobs.
Each day, they perform a range of physically demanding and potentially
dangerous tasks. These tasks often involve long hours and are performed
in high-risk settings, whether working in confined storage buildings,
operating heavy machinery, or handling hazardous chemicals, sometimes in
harsh weather conditions.
According to the Department of Labor, agriculture has the highest
fatality rate of any industry sector in America, and reported 570
fatalities in 2015. These fatalities frequently result from
transportation incidents and the dangers of working with heavy
machinery. As the fortunate beneficiaries of these workers' long hours
of physically demanding and dangerous labor, it is incumbent upon us all
to be mindful of the hazards of this industry. To eliminate or minimize
the risks, we must emphasize ``safety first'' and support comprehensive
farm-safety education and training initiatives.
American farmers, ranchers, and foresters uphold values at the heart of
the American character, and as such, it is our duty to protect and
promote their safety and health. This week we pay tribute to those who
earn their living from the land and honor their resolute work ethic,
steadfast concern for others, and a strong sense of community.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, 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 17 through
September 23, 2017, as National Farm Safety and Health Week. I call upon
the people of the United States, including America's farmers and
ranchers and agriculture-related institutions, organizations, and
businesses, to reaffirm their dedication to farm safety and health. I
also urge all Americans to honor our agricultural heritage and to
express their appreciation and gratitude to our farmers, ranchers, and
foresters for their important contributions and tireless service to our
Nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand seventeen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
second.
DONALD J. TRUMP