USDA Launches Campaign Supporting Local Farmers, Food

According to a press release from September 15th 2009, the USDA has launched a new initiative titled Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food as a means to begin a national conversation to help develop local and regional food systems and spur economic opportunity.

I had to copy and paste the summary below because it was so well written on the USDA website:

American farmers feed our nation and the world, but they are all local to somewhere. Get to know your local farmer, and get to know your food. USDA wants to foster the viability and growth of small and mid-size farms and ranches, and we want to create new opportunities for farmers and ranchers by promoting locally produced foods. We also want to build the infrastructure necessary to support a local food system, and we'll need local partners to do that. Local and regional food systems mean fresh food, vibrant communities, a strong connection between cities and the countryside, and support for this and the next generation of farmers and ranchers.

The "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food" initiative, chaired by Deputy Secretary Merrigan, is the focus of a task force with representatives from agencies across USDA who will help better align the Department's efforts to build stronger local and regional food systems. In the next few weeks, the USDA will announce approximately $65 million in funding for "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food" initiatives.

"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."

In the months to come, cross-cutting efforts at the USDA will seek to use existing USDA programs to break down structural barriers that have inhibited local food systems from thriving. Today, the USDA announced a small initial group of moves that seek to connect local production and consumption and promote local-scale sustainable operations. See the Press Release in full for this exciting list!

Speaking of lists, check out the Grants, Loans, & Support section for an expanded discussion of potential projects and funding opportunities!