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USDA Farm to Table
ICYMI, here's what happened last week at USDA:
Throughout June, we continue our focus on our nation’s rural communities, highlighting investments in businesses and infrastructure that foster thriving rural economies and pave the way for the future of rural America.
Last week, Secretary Vilsack traveled to his 50th state as agriculture secretary: the great state of Wyoming. His trip included a stop at Snake River Brewing Company—one of the 544 Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Projects he announced nationwide. These renewable energy projects will help farmers, ranchers, and rural small business owners save money on energy costs and create job opportunities in rural communities.
While in Wyoming, Secretary Vilsack also took some time to #getoutdoors and Celebrate Great Outdoors Month. At Bridger-Teton National Forest, he emphasized the importance of recreation and outdoor experiences to the economic vitality and quality of life in rural and urban communities. In fact, according to the State, nearly 12% of all Wyoming jobs depend on travel and tourism. But you don’t have to travel to Wyoming to #getoutdoors; you can find a forest near you: http://www.fs.fed.us/locatormap/
In case you missed it last week, this is how we’ve been celebrating USDA Farm to Table.
The Week in Pictures
Students plant hundreds of red Russian kale seedlings to be harvested for their summer CSA program.
All images available in Flickr.
On the USDA Blog
Here at USDA, we believe in the power of community to make a difference. So when Alice Deal Middle School in Washington, DC, reached out to the USDA Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships to come visit for their annual day of service, we were eager to welcome over 100 seventh graders to our headquarters to talk about the importance of environmental awareness and conservation practices, their theme for this year.
Gleaning Sweet Potatoes for a Good Cause
After grading and collecting research data, Larry Adams and his crew fill sweet potato sacks for delivery to the Leland Food Pantry in Leland, Mississippi. There, the freshly dug sweet potatoes will be distributed to low-income families and other needy members of the community. Adams, an entomologist with USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Stoneville, Mississippi, figures the potatoes will be made into any number of tasty dishes—from casseroles and pies to chips, gratin and fries.
U.S. Forest Service Waives Fees for National Get Outdoors Day
Summer break is in full swing with kids (and parents) chomping at the bit for some excitement. On Saturday, June 13, the U.S. Forest Service is inviting families to join thousands of forest explorers for a free, fun-packed day of outdoor adventures in celebration of National Get Outdoors Day. The event also known as ‘GO Day’ is celebrating its 8th anniversary of inspiring national and local organizations to come together to promote the social, economic and environmental benefits of outdoor recreation.
This year I have had the pleasure of visiting a number of urban agriculture operations. From California to Cleveland, the ability of individuals to realize the multidimensional benefits of agricultural production and leverage them in an urban context has been nothing short of amazing. This past week I visited a University that is heavily involved in both the research and extension aspect of urban agriculture — right in the backyard of the Department’s Washington, D.C. headquarters. The University of the District of Columbia’s (UDC) Muirkirk Agricultural Experimentation is located about 20 minutes north of the school’s D.C. campus. Upon arrival I found everything from activists passionate about learning how to best provide their neighbors with fresh produce, to researchers developing improved hydroponics systems; and even students working with community organizations on rice varieties suitable to be grown in urban areas.
Behind the Scenes of the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Initiative: Jill Auburn
This month, the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative (KYF2) celebrates an important milestone: the sixth anniversary of the first convening of the KYF2 Task Force. Since 2009, the Task Force, a dedicated team of experts from across the Department, has been hard at work in support of USDA’s commitment to local and regional food systems. As we mark this important milestone, we wanted to recognize some of the outstanding USDA employees who have been at the core of this work.
Celebrating Small Cities Month
June is Small Cities Month, an opportunity to celebrate the unique and important role our smaller communities play in our rural economy and making our nation a great place to live and work. Leaders in innovation and entrepreneurship often hail from small cities and their residents are proud of their hometowns. USDA partners with communities across the country to create greater economic impact as the strong rural economies of our small, vibrant cities benefit the whole nation.
Safe and Secure Rural Homes: Continuing the Tradition in Kentucky
USDA celebrates National Homeownership Month each year in June, and we continue to shine the spotlight on projects across the nation. I wanted to illustrate the work we do to provide ladders of opportunity for rural residents who might not have such an opportunity without the support of USDA Rural Development. I had the pleasure of meeting one such person this week. His name is Tex Peyton and for the past 18 years he lived in a basic two-room house in Eastern Kentucky that lacked indoor plumbing.
USDA TV
USDA Week in Review - June 12th, 2015
Read about us in the News
Clinton Global Initiative tackles challenges facing rural America (The Denver Post)
Fading rural communities can thrive once again, if the government and the private sector can work together to harvest their potential, former President Bill Clinton and experts at the Clinton Global Initiative in Denver said Wednesday. Rural America needs broadband internet, access to business loans, small-scale manufacturing jobs and the means to retain its "wealth," which was defined by Clinton and panelists as small-business capital, young people and a vibrant community spirit.
USDA Grants Totaling $6.7M Encourage Efficiency, Renewables (AP/New York Times)
A solar power system to be installed at one of Wyoming's bigger microbreweries helped Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Wednesday promote a nationwide program to encourage energy efficiency and renewable energy. Vilsack planned to visit Jackson's Snake River Brewing Company later in the day to announce 544 grants totaling $6.7 million nationwide through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Energy for America Program. Three grants in this round of funding went to Wyoming, including one for $13,810 to help the brewery offset the cost of installing solar power.
Vilsack touts fed’s rural aid (WyoFile)
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack sipped Zonker Stout at the Snake River Brewery and Restaurant in Jackson on Wednesday while announcing a $13,810 grant for a solar power system there. Vilsack’s agency awarded the grant through its Rural Energy for America Program. The grant, and another to a Campbell County rancher, illustrated the government’s commitment to rural community development, he said. “It’s also about jobs,” Vilsack said, ticking off various tradesmen needed to install the solar panels. “Over time they will also save resources. It means less emissions.”
Rural America takes spotlight in Denver (The Durango Herald)
National leaders spoke Wednesday on rural America, pointing to the critical need to develop remote parts of the country that are lagging. Former President Bill Clinton moderated an event with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack as part of the annual Clinton Global Initiative America conference in Denver. The conference ended Wednesday. Using natural resources and agricultural exports, conservation efforts, ecosystem markets and biotechnology is part of a plan to empower rural America. Federal officials hope to expand on successful programs, including extending food assistance for low-income individuals and families to farmers markets and bringing locally farmed fruits and vegetables into schools.
Baechtel Grove Middle School Local Food Day corresponds to ramp up of Food Hub (Willits News)
Several smiling students took more than one of the strawberry-kale salad cups at Baechtel Grove Middle School (BGMS) on June 1, with one youngster hauling away at least four. The salads were part of a Local Food Day lunch directed by the students themselves, organized by North Coast Opportunities (NCO).
Number of farmers’ markets and direct marketing farmers accepting SNAP benefits continues to grow (USDA)
USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) increases the purchasing power of eligible, low-income people by providing them with monthly benefits to purchase food at authorized food stores. SNAP benefits can also be used to buy food at authorized farmers’ markets and from direct marketing farmers (farmers who sell agricultural products directly to consumers) who have been licensed by USDA to accept SNAP benefits.
Forsyth Farmers’ Market Receives Federal Grant That Makes Healthy Foods More Affordable (WSAV 3)
Making the decision to eat healthy is always a good idea…but it can also be more expensive! But now that a local farmer's market is receiving some financial assistance from the federal government, better food choices will be available to more of the community! "Eating healthy makes for a healthier community,” Teri Schell told News 3. She's the Executive Director of the Forsyth Farmers' Market. Schell says thanks to a $50,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than just the well-to-do will be able to benefit from fresh food and produce.
Listen
CELEBRATING NATIONAL GET OUTDOORS DAY
Broadcast Date: Thu, June 11, 2015
BROADCASTERS-- The end date for this story is Saturday, June 13 at Noon your time. Thanks. National Forests and other locales nationwide will host events Saturday as part of National Get Outdoors Day. (Rod Bain and Joe Meade of the US Forest Service)
USDA CELEBRATES NATIONAL HOMEOWNERSHIP MONTH
Broadcast Date: Thu, June 11, 2015
USDA is helping families in rural communities achieve the dream of owning a home. (Susan Carter and Rural Housing Administrator Tony Hernandez)
EXAMPLES OF INNOVATIVE OPPORTUNITIES IN RURAL AMERICA
Broadcast Date: Wed, June 10, 2015
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack had some examples of potential job and economic opportunities for rural America during the annual Clinton Global Initiative conference. (Rod Bain and Secretary Tom Vilsack)
HOW TO UNLOCK RURAL AMERICA'S POTENTIAL
Broadcast Date: Wed, June 10, 2015
A former US President and the current Agriculture Secretary were at a special event, talking about how rural areas can grow and thrive in the broad scope of the American economy. (Rod Bain. Former President Bill Clinton. Secretary Tom Vilsack)
USDA EFFORTS GIVE VETERANS MORE AG OPPORTUNITIES
Broadcast Date: Mon, June 8, 2015
Since passage of the 2014 Farm Bill, military veterans are seeing more prospects in agriculture. (Susan Carter, Ag Sec Tom Vilsack and rancher, Dave Beardi)
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Secy in Jackson Hole WY (his 50th state!) reminding YOU to find a forest for #GetOutdoors Day http://t.co/TzzTtL5YCv pic.twitter.com/cgm9pftyhk
— USDA Press Team (@USDAPress) June 11, 2015
Congrats to @USDA Sec. Vilsack as he completes visit to all 50 states. 1 fav stops was signing the Farm Bill in MI. pic.twitter.com/M4bZ2bOzOY
— Senate Ag Democrats (@SenateAgDems) June 11, 2015
School garden brings local foods, agriculture education into students’ lives http://t.co/Sb0ZXKklbY #ruralmade pic.twitter.com/QUkFRx7Hic
— Dept. of Agriculture (@USDA) June 12, 2015
"We're excited about the prospects for rural America." - @USDA Secretary Vilsack #CGIAmerica
— CGI (@ClintonGlobal) June 10, 2015
Safe and Secure Rural Homes: Continuing the tradition in Kentucky http://t.co/VSWlEvmo8u #ruralmade pic.twitter.com/XQJEaqG3B5
— Dept. of Agriculture (@USDA) June 9, 2015
Another day another #SelfHelp build for a #BetterLife. #50yrs50khomes pic.twitter.com/Zub9LLc4Fy
— Rural Development (@usdaRD) June 8, 2015
