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Media Advisory No. 5184.12
Contact:
Office of Communications (202) 720-4623
UPDATED: Media Advisory: Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan to Meet with Virginia Producers and Highlight Local and Regional Agricultural Efforts
WASHINGTON, October 4, 2012 – TODAY and Friday, October 5, Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan will meet with producers in Virginia to discuss the strength and resilience of America agriculture, and highlight the job creation and economic opportunity associated with local and regional production.
In 2009, USDA launched the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative to strengthen the critical connection between farmers and consumers and supports local and regional food systems. Through this initiative, USDA integrates programs and policies that stimulate food- and agriculturally-based community economic development; foster new opportunities for farmers and ranchers; promote locally and regionally produced and processed foods; cultivate healthy eating habits and educated, empowered consumers; expand access to affordable fresh and local food; and demonstrate the connection between food, agriculture, community and the environment. Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food also leads a national conversation about food and agriculture to strengthen the connection between consumers and farmers.
An interactive view of USDA programs that support local and regional foods is available at the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass. The KYF Compass is a digital guide to USDA resources related to local and regional food systems. The Compass consists of an interactive U.S. map USDA-supported local and regional food projects and an accompanying narrative documenting the results of this work through case studies, photos and video content.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
1 p.m. EDT
WHAT: Deputy Secretary Merrigan will visit AgriBerry Farm and tour the berry fields and newly constructed processing facility.
WHERE: AgriBerry Farm
4456 River Road
Mechanicsville, VA
5 p.m. EDT
WHAT: Deputy Secretary Merrigan will give her College Tour Presentation at University of Virginia.
WHERE: University of Virginia
Garrett Hall
1001 North Emmet Street
Charlottesville, VA 22904
Friday, October 5, 2012
9:00-10:00 a.m. EDT
WHAT: Deputy Secretary Merrigan will tour Maple Hill Farm, Local Food Hub’s educational farm, and discuss USDA assistance given to the farm to conduct high tunnel pilot project and producer workshops.
WHERE: 7219 Scottsville Road
Scottsville, VA 24590
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