GAINESVILLE, Fla., Jan. 26, 2012 - Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan today provided highlights on how Florida can build local and regional food systems which encourage job creation and economic development while increasing access to affordable, fresh and local food. Deputy Secretary Merrigan discussed these efforts, part of USDA's 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' initiative, with students, faculty and community leaders at the University of Florida, Gainesville. The Deputy Secretary is in Florida as part of a two-day trip to discuss President Obama's State of the Union Address and the Administration's strategy to strengthen the economy.
"The Obama administration is working hard to find creative ways put people back to work and build an economy that works for everyone, not just a wealthy few," said Merrigan. "Floridians can lay a new foundation for economic growth, build and revitalize critical infrastructure through supporting and establishing local and regional food, and ultimately create more good jobs and more agricultural products stamped Made in the USA."
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 provided increases and flexibility in USDA programs in an effort to revitalize rural economies by supporting local and regional food systems. 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' is helping to break down barriers that keep local food systems from thriving, create new opportunities for farmers, ranchers, consumers and rural communities, and expand access to healthy food throughout the country.
One example of how farmers can get involved is to participate in local farm to school programs that enable schools to feature healthy, locally-sourced products in their cafeterias. USDA currently is sending teams out to select school districts to work on farm to school issues. Some of these programs also incorporate nutrition-based studies, as well as food-learning opportunities such as farm visits, gardening, cooking, and composting activities.
The 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' website, at www.usda.gov/knowyourfarmer, 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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