[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 13 (Monday, April 4, 1994)]
[Page 645]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6660--Small Family Farm Week, 1994

March 25, 1994

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Small-scale family farms are a vital part of U.S. agricultural and 
rural life, and their activities add significantly to the economic and 
social strength of communities everywhere.
    The majority of America's farms are small--out of more than two 
million farms, seven out of ten gross less than $50,000 annually. Small-
scale farms, with their varied range of needs and interests, provide an 
array of agricultural products to the consumers of our Nation and our 
world.
    Since the time of Thomas Jefferson, Americans have realized that 
family farmers are essential to making our rich land one of the most 
agriculturally productive in the world. Today, these diverse 
entrepreneurs represent the historical foundation of America's 
prosperity.
    Small-scale family farms have survived the winds of change that have 
blown across our country's landscape in recent years. Farmers are ever 
more entrepreneurial, responding to unique niches and specialty-market 
opportunities. Many small-scale family farms are responsible for the 
innovations that are advancing new and enhanced technologies in 
agriculture and farming systems.
    Family farmers are also stewards of the land and have a vested 
interest in energy conservation and protection of the environment. Many 
occupy land that their families have farmed for generations, and they 
seek to pass on the proud legacy of farming to their children.
    More and more farmers are providing their products directly to 
consumers. Through such direct sales, the family farmer is creating 
market opportunities that benefit and strengthen rural economies and 
communities throughout America.
    With each season, America's farmers demonstrate anew our ability to 
persevere and thrive. The great traditions of hard work and 
determination that have consistently characterized American agriculture 
will help our Nation envision a rich harvest of plenty for the twenty-
first century.
    The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 171, has designated the 
week of March 20 through 26, 1994, as ``Small Family Farm Week'' and has 
authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in 
observance of that week.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do hereby proclaim the week beginning March 20, 1994, 
as Small Family Farm Week.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth 
day of March, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-four, 
and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred 
and eighteenth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:51 a.m., March 28, 
1994]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on March 
29. This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.