President Biden Proclaims National Farm Safety and Health Week, Commits to Enhancing Welfare of Agricultural Workers
In recognition of the often perilous but essential work undertaken on the nation's farms, President Joe Biden has declared September 15-21 as National Farm Safety and Health Week. The proclamation, published on the White House website, aims to celebrate the contributions of agricultural workers and reinforce the administration's commitment to enhancing their well-being and safety in what remains one of the most hazardous industries in America.
According to the proclamation by the White House, “America’s farmers, farmworkers, and ranchers work around the clock to nourish our Nation and power our economy.” However, these workers face a gamut of risks, from the physical toll of laborious work to the mental strains brought on by industry uncertainties and near 200 rural hospital closures over two decades. Working on farms that bring prosperity to the entire country, farmworkers and their communities also grapple with the growing threat of climate change, which exacerbates the risks by contributing to extreme heat conditions.
Bringing attention to the healthcare challenges faced by rural communities, the President emphasized, "I believe health care should be a right, not a privilege." His administration has taken measures to expand rural access to health services, including the establishment of the Rural Emergency Hospital Designation to prevent closures and the implementation of 988 as a nationwide Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Approaching $565 million from the American Rescue Plan and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has been directed toward bolstering rural healthcare infrastructure and services, as mentioned on the White House website.
Furthering his pledge to be a staunch ally to labor and workers, Biden highlighted safety measures such as the Labor Department's proposed first-ever Federal safety standard to combat workplace excessive heat. As stated in the proclamation, this rule aims to require employers to implement rest breaks, provide access to shade and water, and develop a plan to respond to heat illness. These initiatives, alongside enhanced protections for temporary agricultural workers, illustrate a proactive stance on worker safety.
The administration also has pivoted to support the economic stability of farms with funding initiatives like the $50 million Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program, which aids agricultural employers to retain essential workers. The executive order on increasing competition ensures that family farms are on a level playing field with corporate farms, striving to strike a balance in an industry often dominated by larger players.
In closing, President Biden's proclamation calls upon the American people to show appreciation for the relentless service provided by farmers, farmworkers, and ranchers, as per the White House publication. National Farm Safety and Health Week stands as a testament to the nation's gratitude and an ongoing pledge to secure a healthier, safer future for those feeding America and beyond.
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