WASHINGTON, Oct. 30 — USDA officials encouraged tribal leaders and members from across the country to participate in a forum with Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan and USDA's senior leadership team on Wednesday, Nov. 4, in advance of the White House Tribal Nations Conference the following day. The event will facilitate a dialogue between tribal representatives and the Department and allow tribes to learn more about the wide variety of programs USDA administers.

"USDA is looking forward to this first-of-its-kind meeting to expand cooperation and consultation between the Department of Agriculture and tribal nations," said Secretary Vilsack. "We anticipate beginning robust government-to-government dialogues about how USDA can improve as a service provider and raise awareness among tribes about the multitude of ways that USDA works to improve the lives of our nation's tribal communities."

The meeting is scheduled from 8 am. to 10:15 am on Wednesday, Nov. 4, in Room 107-A of the Jamie L. Whitten Building, which is located at 1400 Independence Ave., SW, at the Smithsonian Metro station. It is open to tribal leaders, members and other representatives. If you plan to attend, please RSVP by Noon on Tuesday, Nov. 3, to Jennifer Yezak or Oscar Gonzales of USDA's Office of Intergovernmental Affairs with the names of those who will be attending from your Tribe. They can be reached at (202) 720-6643, or by email at intergovernmental@osec.usda.gov .

USDA programs provide many opportunities to support economic development, agricultural production, broadband access, the management of forests and natural resources, access to nutritious foods, educational and research advancements, affordable housing, and agricultural marketing. This meeting will offer tribal leaders an opportunity to begin an ongoing dialogue on these important issues.

Senior USDA officials who will attend the forum include:

USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan

Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services – Deputy Under Secretary Michael Scuse

Food Nutrition and Consumer Services – Deputy Under Secretary Janey Thornton

Food Safety – Acting Under Secretary Jerry Mande

Marketing and Regulatory Programs – Under Secretary Edward Avalos

Natural Resources and Environment – Deputy Under Secretary Jay Jensen

Research, Education and Economics – Under Secretary Raj Shah

Rural Development – Under Secretary Dallas Tonsager

Office of Civil Rights – Assistant Secretary Joe Leonard

Office of Civil Rights – Deputy Assistant Secretary Mary McNeil

Office of Congressional Relations – Assistant Secretary Kyrsta Harden

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