[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 29, Number 8 (Monday, March 1, 1993)]
[Pages 318-319]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6531--National FFA Organization Awareness Week, 1993

 February 25, 1993

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    America's roots run deep in agriculture. We have long prospered 
through the twin blessings of our natural resources and the productivity 
of the American farmer. Agriculture has contributed heavily to the 
economic and social progress of the United States, making our Nation the 
world's largest

[[Page 319]]

exporter of food products and a generous provider of food aid around the 
world.
    For more than two centuries, our food, agricultural, and natural 
resource system has been nurtured and sustained by dedicated people 
committed to providing safe and abundant food and fiber products. About 
20 percent of the Nation's work force is engaged in jobs related to 
agriculture, and annual employment openings in this industry are 
expected to outpace the supply of trained workers.
    The education and training of agricultural workers have, therefore, 
long been a national priority, leading to the development of a 
comprehensive system of agricultural education in our public schools. 
The National Future Farmers of America was founded in 1928 to serve the 
needs of secondary students preparing for leadership roles in the 
science, business, and technology of agriculture. Chartered by Congress 
in 1950, the FFA is an integral part of public instruction in 
agriculture and today provides premier leadership, personal growth, and 
career development to its 401,574 members. Local, State, and national 
activities as well as award programs provide opportunities for students 
to apply knowledge and skills acquired through agricultural education. 
FFA members strive to develop agricultural leadership, cooperation, and 
citizenship.
    The National FFA Foundation, which raises funds in support of FFA 
programs, represents an exemplary partnership between business and 
education. The National FFA Alumni Association provides support to these 
young men and women on local, State, and national levels.
    The strategic importance of our food, agricultural, and natural 
resource system will grow during the coming decade. This will require 
even stronger leaders, more creative scientists, greater international 
business understanding, and increased sensitivity for consumers and the 
environment. These skilled professionals will chart the course of U.S. 
food, agricultural, and natural resources in the 1990s and beyond. The 
National FFA Organization, by attracting young people to agriculture and 
preparing them for future careers, contributes greatly to an important 
sector of the national economy. It is proper that we should honor the 
accomplishments and achievements of this fine organization.
    The Congress, by House Joint Resolution 101, has designated the week 
of February 21 through February 27, 1993, as ``National FFA Organization 
Awareness Week'' and has authorized and requested the President to issue 
a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe 
this week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do hereby proclaim the week of February 21 through 
February 27, 1993, as National FFA Organization Awareness Week. I 
encourage all Americans in rural, urban, and suburban communities to 
join in recognizing the achievements and contributions of the young men 
and women of the National FFA Organization and to observe National FFA 
Organization Awareness Week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and 
activities.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth 
day of February, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-
three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two 
hundred and seventeenth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 3:17 p.m., February 26, 
1993]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
March 2.