USDA hosts its first ever Iftar dinner to recognize Muslim employees

In his speech at the University of Cairo on June 4, 2009, President Obama called for a new beginning between the United States and Muslims at home and around the world. As a way to answer the President’s call, Secretary Vilsack hosted USDA’s first-ever Iftar dinner to celebrate the Muslim holy month of Ramadan on Thursday, September 10th, in the Whitten Building patio. More than 200 USDA employees and members of the local community, both Muslim and non-Muslim, were present for this historical event.

Ramadan is holiest month of the year on the Islamic calendar, and runs from August 21 to September 19 this year. During Ramadan, Muslims fast each day from sunrise to sunset, not even drinking water. At sunset, they break their fast with dates (ours were American grown) and water, the act of which is called “iftar.” After evening prayers, Muslims sit down with family and friends for a large late dinner. The White House has been holding annual Iftar dinners since 2002, and other government agencies such as the Department of Defense and USAID host them as well. As a result, Muslim employees at USDA were extremely excited about the prospect of having our very own Iftar here at “the People’s Department.” One FSIS employee and his spouse flew to Washington, D.C. all the way from California at their own expense just to have the chance to attend.

The theme for USDA’s Iftar dinner was “A Common Calling – Feeding Hungry People.” Secretary Vilsack addressed the gathering on USDA’s mission to alleviate hunger at home and around the world, a commitment shared by all major religions. He also spoke eloquently about the legacy of Abraham, who is viewed as the common ancestor of Jews, Christians, and Muslims all over the world. The Secretary also spoke of USDA’s commitment to a modern, inclusive workforce that attracts the best and most effective workers of all backgrounds and faith traditions.

Also addressing the attendees were Mr. Sabir Rahman, Executive Director for Interfaith Dialogue at the Muslim Community Center of Silver Spring; Ms. Amina Makhdoom, Chair of the Montgomery County Committee on Hate and Violence; and Dr. Yaser Haddara, the Board Chair of Islamic Relief USA.

During the meal, guests had a chance to watch President Obama’s Ramadan video message, as well as a video on USDA’s involvement in Provincial Reconstruction Teams in Afghanistan.

The event was co-sponsored by USDA’s Organization of South Asian Americans in Agriculture and USDA’s Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. It was a wonderful opportunity for the Department to celebrate the wide diversity of backgrounds of those called to serve “every day, in every way” at USDA.

Permalink  |  Posted: 12:49PM Sep 21, 2009 by USDAblogger in USDA Web Site  |  Add Your Comment Here [0]

Renewing America’s Promise: USDA Makes Connections In Person, and Online

As the Rural Tour continues its trek across the nation, we continue to hear amazing stories and the positive feedback. Today, we’re excited to launch a new Rural Tour web site and a number of new tools for you to follow what’s going on across USDA.

On the Rural Tour site you will notice a few new features. First, and most important, you are invited to Join the Conversation. We know that communities across the nation are struggling, and we have seen at every stop thus far the spirit and drive individuals have to address these challenges. Whether or not we make it to your town, visit the site and tell your story.

You can easily find upcoming tour dates, and follow the blog for reports from the road. We also included a section to share What’s Working through Recovery Act projects and stories from people across the nation who are making a difference.

Of course, we’re still tweeting from the road and have a new USDA Twitter account that shares the latest news, stories from the blog, events around the Department and we’ll let you know when new photos and videos are available.

On our Facebook page, you can check out news and information regarding our ongoing mission around the U.S. and across the globe, and share your thoughts along the way. Events, the latest blog posts and other information will be posted – stop by and become a fan!

We will be posting more videos from the tour, and invite your own stories as well, that are featured on our YouTube channel. Other sights from tour stops are captured and collected on Flickr.

On YouTube you will find weekly updates, educational videos and public service announcements. Other special features such as the Department’s work in Afghanistan are available on the site. Flickr will provide the best of the best images from all areas of activity within the Department. Print quality photos will be offered on a range of events and topics rom the Rural Tour and People’s Garden to collections representing the work of USDA’s agencies.

The USDA has more than 100,000 employees and 7,000 offices around the world. From forests to food, research to education and everything in between, the USDA touches the lives of every American – and millions of people around the world – every day, in every way. Spend some time checking out the new content and services, learn something new and share your own story.

Permalink  |  Posted: 10:52AM Aug 17, 2009 by USDAblogger in USDA Web Site  |  Add Your Comment Here [1]

USDA filmmaker David Black describes Afghanistan experiences

USDA filmmaker David Black traveled this spring to Afghanistan, where he produced a 17-minute film on the efforts of USDA agriculture advisors working in Afghanistan as part of intergovernmental Provincial Reconstruction Teams.

While he was away, he kept a personal journal about his experiences on the ground in Afghanistan. This excerpt is from April 28, 2009:


Our first visit of the day was to the Governor’s complex in Panjshir province, where we met with the province’s Agriculture Director.

We arrived, as usual, in a two-vehicle convoy including the requisite Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) military and Civil Affairs Team (CAT), our USDA Agricultural Expert, and our guards. The guards stayed with the vehicles while we were escorted to the Director’s office on the second floor of a large, well-built concrete structure. The office window looked out to a picturesque snowcapped mountain. The team sat around a conference table. We were offered tea and wrapped candies. The Director walked in, a gregarious man, small in stature, dressed in casual khaki, with a uniquely shaved goatee and a wide grin. He shook everyone’s hand and was excited to have the camera pointing in his direction. The group discussed ongoing projects in the area, success stories and allocation of resources to make some projects more effective. Then the Director personally escorted us to some successful projects in the district.

(Part 1 of 5; see the rest at USDA on YouTube)

First we visited a master beekeeper who was introduced to beekeeping by the PRT one year earlier. He was trained and given two hives to continue his training. He was so successful that he became the distributer and trainer for 400 families in the province. This enterprise gave families a model where they are able to provide bees to pollinate fruit trees and sell the honey produced by the hives. We were escorted into a mud-walled family compound and greeted by children of all ages. The beekeeper took the group through his cramped house, up some stairs and up to the roof. I heard a distinct buzzing that was obviously the excited bees.

The master beekeeper was proud to show us his hives, which he has increased from two to four. He opened some to show us a queen bee. He did this without any protective gear or smoker while bees encircled us! No one was stung and the visuals were outstanding. We also interviewed the beekeeper. Before we could reenter the house, however, the interpreter asked us to wait a few moments. As is custom, the man of the house ensured that the lady of the house was hidden from our view. Excited children and curious men are everywhere, but I have not seen a woman up close, even in a burqa, since I arrived in Afghanistan. In the villages, women distance themselves and walk on the side of the street opposite us or just avoid anywhere outside their homes altogether.

We said our goodbyes to the beekeeper. He offered us tea one last time and we thanked him and took our leave. He shook our hands and touched his right palm to his heart.

-David Black


Above, you can view the first part of this five-part series about the experiences of USDA personnel on the ground in Afghanistan. See the rest of the film, produced by Black and the rest of the USDA Broadcast Media and Technology Center, at the USDA YouTube site.

Permalink  |  Posted: 05:58PM Jul 27, 2009 by USDAblogger in USDA Web Site  |  Add Your Comment Here [0]

Vilsack honors USDA agriculture advisors home from Iraq, Afghanistan

This afternoon in Washington, Secretary Vilsack hosted a great reception and ceremony for USDA employees returning from year-long tours of duty on Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRT's) in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"It is an honor for me to recognize these brave and devoted employees for their tremendous service to the people of Afghanistan and Iraq, and the important role they played in furthering political and social stability throughout the world by building a foundation on which the economies of these countries will prosper," said Vilsack. "With President Obama's new strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan, USDA's role in providing agricultural knowledge and expertise has become increasingly important. Whether in forestry, soil and water conservation, food safety, agricultural extension, or veterinary services, I hope the example provided by these brave men and women will inspire others to volunteer."

Just before the ceremony, Bruce Dubee and Steve Berk, two advisors who were deployed in 2008 to Afghanistan shared some of their experience.

Dubee, a Natural Resources Conservation Service employee based in the Washington, D.C. headquarters office, was deployed as a soil specialist in Kunar province near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

"You have to figure [the work] out," he said of his experience. (Both men were the first USDA staff working on their PRT, a group a civilian advisors escorted by U.S. and coalition military forces). "You look behind you, and there's nobody, it's you."

Berk, a Farm Service Agency District Director in Florida before being deployed to Afghanistan's Paktika province, worked largely in evaluation and project training -- although both men agree their roles were very broad.

"We had to become politicians as well," Berk said.

At times, both agreed the work could be "painfully slow," and instability in the country could sometimes pose issues. "There's nothing easy about working in Afghanistan," said Dubee. Berk readily agreed.

But both noted the stark lack of development in the country, and how agricultural capacity building within Afghanistan will play a vital role in improving ordinary peoples' quality of life.

"You come back and you really understand how good you have it," Dubee said.

Both have considered returning to Afghanistan for second tours of duty, and USDA currently plans to increase the number of PRT advisors on the ground over the coming months.

Want to learn more? Along with the ceremony, USDA released a web site and video highlighting the efforts of advisors serving in Afghanistan.

Permalink  |  Posted: 05:41PM Jul 17, 2009 by USDAblogger in USDA Web Site  |  Add Your Comment Here [0]