| USDA Commits $65 Million to Growing Regional Food Systems |
| Tuesday, 13 October 2009 19:13 | |||
 Washington, D.C., October 2009 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said late last month that it will spend $65 million on initiatives to connect local food production and consumption and promote local-scale sustainable operations under a new program called ‘Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food.’
The agency said it will use existing programs “to break down structural barriers that have inhibited local food systems from thriving.” The new initiative proposes regulations to allow select small meat and poultry producers, whose markets are currently limited, to ship products in interstate commerce. That new voluntary program was created in the 2008 farm bill and allows state-inspected plants with 25 or fewer employees to ship products across state lines. The program will be administered by USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service. Also, the agency’s Rural Development program is giving out $4.4 million in grants to 23 local business cooperatives in 19 states. One grant for $150,000 is being given to the Northwest Food Processors Association to help grow the relationship between local food processors and customers in parts of Idaho, Oregon and Washington, as well as help the group reduce energy consumption, a major cost for food processors. 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' is being touted by the USDA as “a national conversation” to help spur economic opportunity. "An American people that is more engaged with their food supply will create new income opportunities for American agriculture," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "Reconnecting consumers and institutions with local producers will stimulate economies in rural communities, improve access to healthy, nutritious food for our families, and decrease the amount of resources to transport our food." USDA's Risk Management Agency said it will spend $3.4 million for collaborative outreach and assistance programs to socially disadvantaged and underserved farmers, including $10,000 in funding for the University of Minnesota to bring together experts on food safety and regulations for a discussion of marketing to institutions like K-12 schools, colleges, universities, hospitals and other health care facilities. The 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' initiative is being chaired by Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan, who will coordinate with representatives from agencies across USDA to better align its efforts in building stronger local and regional food systems. "Americans are more interested in food and agriculture than at any other time since most families left the farm," said Merrigan. "'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' seeks to focus that conversation on supporting local and regional food systems to strengthen American agriculture by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and spurring economic opportunity in rural communities." As the 'Know Your Farmer' initiative evolves, USDA said it will develop new programs "to pursue sustainable agriculture and support for local and regional food systems." Producers and consumers can send their comments on the initiative by e-mailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it SOURCE: Sustainable Food News
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