For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 25, 2003
National Farm Safety and Health Week, 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 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
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