    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 38 (Monday, September 25, 2006)]
    [Page 1625]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Proclamation 8052--National Farm Safety and Health Week, 2006

     September 15, 2006

     By the President of the United States

     of America

     A Proclamation

        Generations of farmers and ranchers have strengthened our Nation and
    enriched our communities by providing us with food, raw materials, and
    energy. National Farm Safety and Health Week is an opportunity to
    celebrate their contributions to America and raise awareness about
    potential hazards these workers and their families face. This year's
    theme, ``Prepare to Prevent,'' underscores the importance of injury
    prevention, preparedness, and safety on farms and ranches.
        Farming and ranching are challenging occupations. Agricultural
    workers often work long hours and are exposed to many dangers associated
    with heavy machinery, tools, livestock, chemicals, and extreme weather
    conditions. By identifying hazards and taking preventive measures,
    farmers and ranchers can create a safer environment for themselves and
    their employees. Wearing protective gear can help prevent injuries, and
    farm machinery can be equipped with safety devices to decrease
    accidents. Agricultural workers can also take steps to make their
    workplace safer by training family members and staff in first aid and
    other emergency response techniques.
        Our country depends on farmers and ranchers to help provide an
    abundant and safe food supply for our citizens and for the world, and we
    are grateful to them for their significant contributions to the economic
    prosperity of our great Nation. By raising awareness about injury
    prevention and safety in the workplace, farmers and ranchers can protect
    their employees, families, and themselves, and continue their good work
    to help America stay productive and prosperous.
         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 the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 17
    through September 23, 2006, as National Farm Safety and Health Week. I
    call upon the agencies, organizations, and businesses that serve
    America's agricultural workers to continue to strengthen their
    commitment to promoting farm safety and health programs. I also urge all
    Americans to honor our agricultural heritage and to recognize our
    farmers and ranchers for their remarkable contributions to our Nation's
    prosperity and strength.
         In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day
    of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    first.
                                                    George W. Bush

     [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., September
    19, 2006]

    Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on
    September 20. This item was not received in time for publication in the
    appropriate issue.