107 STAT. 2622
PROCLAMATION 6531—FEB. 25, 1993
ninety-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America
the two hundred and seventeenth.
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WILLIAM J. CLINTON
Proclamation 6531 of February 25, 1993
National FFA Organization Awareness Week, 1993
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
America's roots run deep in agriculture. We have long prospered
through the twin blessings of our natural resources and the productivity of the American farmer. Agriculture has contributed heavily to the
economic and social progress of the United States, making our Nation
the world's largest exporter of food products and a generous provider
of food aid around the world.
For more than two centiules, our food, agricultural, and natiu'al resource system has been nurtured and sustained by dedicated people
committed to providing safe and abimdant food and fiber products.
About 20 percent of the Nation's work force is engaged in jobs related
to agriculture, and annual employment openings in this industry are
expected to outpace the supply of trained workers.
The education and training of agricultural workers have, therefore,
long been a national priority, leading to the development of a comprehensive system of agricultural education in our public schools. The
National Future Farmers of America was founded in 1928 to serve the
needs of secondary students preparing for leadership roles in the
science, business, and technology of agriculture. Chartered by Congress
in 1950, the FFA is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture
and today provides premier leadership, personal growth, and career
development to its 401,574 members. Local, State, and national activities as well as award programs provide opportunities for students to
apply knowledge and skills acquired through agricultLiral education.
FFA members strive to develop agricultural leadership, cooperation,
and citizenship.
The National FFA Foundation, which raises funds in support of FFA
programs, represents an exemplary partnership between business and
education. The National FFA Alumni Association provides support to
these yoimg men and women on local. State, and national levels.
The strategic importance of our food, agricultural, and natural resource
system will grow during the coming decade. This will require even
stronger leaders, more creative scientists, greater international business
understanding, and increased sensitivity for consimiers and the environment. These skilled professionals will chart the course of U.S. food,
agricultiu-al, and natural resources in the 1990s and beyond. The National FFA Organization, by attracting yoimg people to agriculture and
preparing them for future careers, contributes greatly to an important
sector of the national economy. It is proper that we should honor the
accomplishments and achievements of this fine organization.
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