For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 15, 2006
National Farm Safety and Health Week, 2006
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
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
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