National Farm-City Week, 2005

Proclamation 7961 of November 15, 2005

National Farm-City Week, 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
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.

(Presidential Sig.)B