[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 39 (Monday, September 29, 2003)]
[Pages 1265-1266]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7708--National Farm Safety and Health Week, 2003

 September 25, 2003

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Almost half of the land in the United States is used for 
agricultural production, and our Nation depends on our hard-working farm 
and ranch families for food, fiber, and the good stewardship of our 
environment. As we celebrate National Farm Safety and Health Week, we 
give thanks for their dedication, sacrifice, and contributions to our 
country, and we renew our commitment to the health and livelihoods of 
American farm and ranch families.
    America must continue to promote the safety of our farmers and 
ranchers. Farming and ranching can be dangerous work; in 2002, the 
agriculture industry had the second-highest rate of deaths due to 
accidents. Proper education and training are critical to protecting the 
safety of farmers and ranchers. By working together to encourage careful 
use of equipment and facilities, America helps our farm and ranch 
families remain healthy and more productive than any other farmers in 
the world.
    This year's theme for National Farm Safety and Health Week, ``Secure 
Your Farming through Safety and Health,'' also encourages farmers and 
ranchers to focus on farm security issues. Farm and ranching communities 
play a vital role in protecting Americas food supplies, water resources, 
and farm chemicals. Their efforts are important to the safety and 
security of our citizens.
     Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States 
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution 
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 21 through 
September 27, 2003, as National Farm Safety and Health Week. I call upon 
the agencies, organizations, and businesses that serve America's 
agricultural workers to strengthen their commitment to promoting farm 
safety and health programs. I also urge

[[Page 1266]]

all Americans to honor our agricultural heritage and to recognize our 
farmers and ranchers for their remarkable contributions to our Nation's 
vitality and prosperity.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth 
day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
eighth.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., September 29, 
2003]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
September 30.