[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 46 (Monday, November 21, 2005)]
[Pages 1719-1720]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7961--National Farm-City Week, 2005

November 15, 2005

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Farming is America's first industry, and the success of America's 
farmers and ranchers is crucial to the prosperity of our country. During 
National Farm-City Week, we recognize the important relationship between 
rural and urban industries that helps keep our farmers and our Nation 
strong.
    America's farmers and ranchers work hard, and they provide a 
healthy, safe, and abundant food supply for our citizens and for 
countless individuals abroad. In order to make their goods available to 
the public, they depend on partnerships with processors, transporters, 
marketers, distributors, and many others. These cooperative networks 
make up America's robust agricultural industry and account for about 
one-sixth of all jobs in the United States.
    My Administration understands that our farm economy is a source of 
strength for our Nation, and we remain committed to advancing policies 
that will improve our country's agricultural industry. We have 
successfully implemented the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 
2002, which significantly increased conservation funding and provided an 
important safety net for our farmers. Earlier this year, I signed the 
Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement, which will 
help ensure that free trade is fair trade and level the playing field 
for American products exported to Central America. To continue to open 
new markets for America's farmers and ranchers, we must also work for a 
free and fair global trading system. Through the World Trade 
Organization's Doha Round of trade negotiations, we are seeking to 
reduce and eliminate tariffs and other barriers to U.S. agricultural 
goods.
    As we celebrate National Farm-City Week, we express appreciation for 
those who make a living off the land. Their hard work and dedication to 
maintaining strong networks between rural areas and urban communities

[[Page 1720]]

helps to feed, clothe, and provide energy for Americans and others 
around the world.
    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 November 18 through 
November 24, 2005, as National Farm-City Week. I encourage all Americans 
to join in recognizing the great accomplishments of our farmers and 
ranchers and the entrepreneurship and ingenuity of countless others who 
produce America's agricultural goods.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day 
of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
thirtieth.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:12 a.m., November 16, 
2005]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on November 16, and it was published in the Federal Register 
on November 17.