[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.