DETROIT, May 19, 2010 - Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan today provided highlights of how Michigan agriculture can tap into the economic opportunity of local and regional food markets. Speaking at the National Farm to Cafeteria Conference as well as a roundtable discussion with community leaders, Deputy Secretary Merrigan noted the benefits of local and regional food systems, which can provide new income opportunities for farmers and ranchers, stimulate community economic development and expand access to affordable healthy and local food. Merrigan also discussed USDA's 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' initiative as a part of the Department's efforts to rebuild and revitalize rural communities and help farmers stay on the farm. Later in the day Merrigan visited the D-Town Farm, a 2-acre urban farm operated by the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network, as well as the Fusilier Family Farm and Gardens in Manchester, Mich., which supplies produce to two area school districts.

"Building local and regional food systems, as an economic development strategy is an historic opportunity to lay a new foundation for economic growth, create jobs and strengthen critical infrastructure here in Michigan and in rural communities across the country," Merrigan said. "Part of our 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' initiative is to link the agricultural community to consumers to bring new understanding of the importance of agriculture and healthy eating. Consumer demand for locally grown food in the U.S. is expected to rise from an estimated $4 billion in 2002 to as much as $7 billion by 2012, so this is an important area of growth for the agricultural industry."

USDA's 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' initiative emphasizes the need for a fundamental and critical reconnection between producers and consumers. The effort builds on the 2008 Farm Bill, which provides increases and flexibility to USDA programs in an effort to revitalize rural economies through the promotion local food systems. Aimed at strengthening the connection between farmers and consumers, the initiative also increases local market access for farmers, and expands access to healthy food for all Americans.

One example of how farmers can get involved, Merrigan said, is to participate in local farm to school programs that enable schools to feature farms that provide healthy, locally-sourced products in their cafeterias. USDA is currently sending out teams to school districts to help them overcome barriers to purchasing locally-produced foods. Some of these programs also incorporate nutrition-based studies, as well as opportunities for kids to get involved with food and agriculture, such as gardening curricula, cooking classes, and composting activities.

Providing greater access to fresh, healthy food is a top priority of the Obama Administration. Earlier this year, First Lady Michelle Obama launched her Let's Move! campaign to end childhood obesity within a generation so that children born today will reach adulthood at a healthy weight. Learn more by visiting www.LetsMove.gov.

To learn more about 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' visit www.usda.gov/knowyourfarmer. It features social media tools to help focus the public conversation about farming and food, while engaging American agriculture and linking producers to customers.

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