David Franklin Houston to the Farmers of America

TO THE FARMERS OF AMERICA:Our Nation has taken the solemn course of declaring the existence of a state of war against Germany to safeguard its rights and to preserve its freedom, to make certain not only that democracy shall not perish from the earth but also that the earth shall be a safe place for democracy, and to bring about a condition of world affairs which shall make impossible the recurrence of a war like this. To accomplish our purposes we must effectively cooperate with the great democracies of the world. The supreme need now of our Nation and of those with whom we shall cooperate is an abundance of supplies, especially of foods. The importance of an adequate food supply, especially for the present year, cannot be over-emphasized. The world's food reserves are low. Not only during this emergency but when peace shall come, our own people and also those of a large part of Europe must rely more fully than ever before upon our harvests. Upon the farmers, in large measure, rests the fate of the war. I know that the Nation can rely on them to omit no step to increase production and to cooperate together for economical distribution. The time is short. It is of the highest importance that every possible step be taken immediately to make sure of large harvests. Through the agricultural press of the Nation, I appeal to the farmers of America at once to take steps to increase the production of foodstuffs and feedstuffs. I appeal to the women of the Nation, who control in large measure the consumption expenditure of the country, to assist not only in the production but also in the conservation of food. It is our duty to practice economy and to eliminate waste. I appeal also to the great army of boys and girls in the various agricultural clubs to strengthen their forces and to assist the Nation.
The Government of the United States and of the various States will effectively cooperate. They will do everything possible to assist farmers in securing an adequate supply of labor at critical periods and to expedite shipments of fertilizers and farm machinery. They will omit no steps to see that the course of trade is unhampered and that there is no unwarranted manipulation of the Nation's food.
Let us demonstrate to the world the strength and the efficiency of a Great Democracy!