[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 132, 115th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9708 of March 19, 2018

National Agriculture Day, 2018

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On National Agriculture Day, we acknowledge the tremendous work ethic,
ingenuity, determination, and perseverance that define generations of
American farmers. Because of their efforts, the United States produces
an abundant supply of food, feed, and fuel for a growing global
population. Our rich and abundant soil provides for more than just
sustenance--it provides a beautiful and bountiful way of life for
millions of Americans.
America's strong agricultural sector is a key component of our Nation's
robust economy and trade. Every $1 of United States agricultural and
food exports creates another $1.27 in business activity. Our country's
agriculture exports are valued at more than $100 billion, and every $1
billion in exports supports approximately 8,000 American jobs. Moreover,
agriculture contributes to at least 8.6 percent of our gross domestic
product. The economic boost from our agriculture reaches beyond the
fields our farmers tend, with unrivaled skill and diligence, to
communities all across America.
America's farmers, growers, ranchers, foresters, and agricultural
scientists and engineers are world-leading innovators, exploring new
research and technologies like advancements in biotechnology and the use
of automated vehicles that enable precision agriculture to maximize
yields and minimize environmental impacts. My Administration proudly
supports them in their pioneering endeavors. In this new era of American
agriculture, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is invest

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ing in rural broadband access, roads, and bridges, and is supplying
affordable, reliable power to those living on the outskirts of larger
cities and towns. These investments in American infrastructure will
improve the quality of life in rural America for years to come.
To help the American agricultural economy succeed in an increasingly
competitive global market, I signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the
largest tax cut and reform legislation in American history. This
legislation is providing much needed relief to America's farmers, who
can now expense 100 percent of their capital investments, including
expenditures for farm equipment, over the next 4 years. Additionally,
under this new legislation, the vast majority of family farms will now
be exempt from the death tax.
American agriculture is an integral part of our success as a Nation,
uniquely tied to both our country's culture and economy. Today, and
every day, we cherish our Nation's rich agricultural history and
celebrate the greatness of the American farmer.
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 March 20, 2018, as
National Agriculture Day. I encourage all Americans to observe this day
by recognizing the preeminent role that agriculture plays in our daily
lives, acknowledging agriculture's continuing importance to rural
America and our country's economy, and expressing our deep appreciation
of farmers, growers, ranchers, producers, national forest system
stewards, private agricultural stewards, and those who work in the
agriculture sector across the Nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of
March, in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
second.
DONALD J. TRUMP