Nowhere is the Obama Administration’s legacy on national security and economic growth more recognizable than in today’s renewable energy economy.
The United States leads the world in agricultural innovation, with crop and livestock production that feeds our country and more than enough to export overseas. But the economic potential of rural America doesn’t stop just at growing food. The entrepreneurial, pioneering spirit of America’s farmers and ranchers now has put them at the forefront of a remarkable transformation, ranging from homegrown renewable energy to biobased materials, keeping rural manufacturing humming and ensuring that our communities throughout the countryside stay economically competitive.
President Obama entered office in 2009 with a strong commitment to pursue an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy and, since then, domestic energy-related emissions have fallen to their lowest level in 20 years and our dependence on foreign oil is at a 40-year low and declining. In the last eight years, USDA has helped lead an effort to promote the domestic production and use of advanced biofuels and biobased products, supporting millions of jobs and pumping hundreds-of-billions-of-dollars into the U.S. economy.
Join us throughout the month of October as we tell the story of a proud legacy of rural innovation and its contribution to a new generation of renewable energy and biobased products; increasing American energy security, giving American consumers environmentally friendly choices, cutting our carbon pollution, strengthening America’s economy and with it the small towns and rural communities that so many call home. Follow along on usda.gov, on the USDA blog and by using #USDAResults, or catch up on Chapter X on our Medium site.
Throughout the month we’ll tell the story of a proud legacy of rural innovation and its contribution to a new generation of renewable energy and biobased products.
When storm clouds darkened the skies in Southern Louisiana, extension specialists lit up social media.
Reno-Sparks Indian Colony teens pose to celebrate a finished hoop house they built.
In Conversation with #WomeninAg: Jamie Clover Adams
Every month, USDA shares the story of a woman in agriculture who is leading the industry and helping other women succeed along the way. This month, we hear from Jamie Clover Adams, Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the first woman to serve in that position. Director Adams recently participated in a 10 day women-led USDA trade mission to China with Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Deputy Under Secretary Alexis Taylor.
New SNAP Pilot Provides Grocery Delivery for Homebound Disabled, Elderly
Your neighborhood grocer may be conveniently located just a few short blocks away. But for many persons with disabilities and the elderly participating in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the store might as well be on the other side of the world.
FSA Administrator Cooks and Connects to FSA Programs
During my travels to 46 states over the past two years, I’ve explored Illinois cornfields, watched an oyster harvest in Connecticut, and admired beet fields in North Dakota. I’ve toured a rooftop farm on a Brooklyn high-rise, and marveled at fresh vegetables grown in truck containers in the remote Alaskan Arctic.
Growing Local Food Means Growing Opportunities
With sales of over $11 billion in 2014 and projected growth of 10 percent annually, local and regionally-produced food is the fastest growing sector of American agriculture. At USDA, we hear a lot from communities interested in strengthening the connection between farmers and consumers. That’s why we’re investing in projects across the country to help farm and food businesses tap into this growing market.
September: A Nice Time to Celebrate Rice Research
September is National Rice Month, and the Agricultural Research Service’s (ARS) Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center in Stuttgart, Arkansas, is well positioned—literally and figuratively—to support the production, harvest, and public enjoyment of this versatile and nutritious grain. And on the world-food security front, ARS’ Stuttgart center is closing in on genes that regulate rice’s uptake and storage of iron, thiamine and other important vitamins and minerals—a pursuit that could bolster the nutritional value of this cereal grain crop as a staple food for roughly half the world’s population.
Working Together to Develop Local Strategies for Strong Rural Communities
How will decisions about where we locate new development or upgrade existing infrastructure impact our future economic vitality and fiscal health? How can we site and plan public facilities and housing so they have the greatest benefits for our community? How can we rebound from years of population loss? How can we capitalize on our unique history to become the kind of place we want to be in the future? These were some of Alton, Missouri’s residents’ many questions Smart Growth America addressed during a recent USDA Rural Development supported technical assistance workshop.
Meet Candice and James: The Newest Real-Life Family in the #MyPlateMyWins Video Series
Every family is unique, and when it comes to healthy eating, it’s important to find solutions that work for you. The MyPlate, MyWins video series features real-life families sharing their tips for success. In the newest video, Candice & James share how they plan healthy meals involving their two-year old son. For this growing family, preparing ahead is key.
USDA Market News – As Diverse as the Agricultural Landscape
As the agricultural landscape evolves to meet consumer demand, USDA Market News works to ensure that emerging sectors have the unbiased, reliable data they need to succeed in the marketplace.
USDA Market News – administered by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) – provides data that serves as the information lifeline for America’s agricultural economy.
Hoop House Grows Healthy Food, Combat Diabetes in a Nevada Food Desert
Squeals of excitement and laughter competed with the sounds of power saws, drills and hammers at the Hungry Valley Child Care Center in Sparks, Nevada, as Reno-Sparks Indian Colony (RSIC) teens were handed power tools for the first time in their lives to assist with building a hoop house.
Providing Rural Housing Assistance for Louisiana Flood Survivors
Last month, many parts of Southern Louisiana were faced with disastrous flooding that submerged thousands of homes and businesses and also resulted in 13 reported deaths. The flood has been called the worst U.S. natural disaster since Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
Prepare Livestock and Animals Ahead of Severe Weather
It’s important to have a plan in place ahead of severe weather to protect your animals and livestock. Pets, farm animals and livestock rely on their humans to protect them and keep them safe in all types of emergencies. The steps we take or don’t take will directly impact their well-being.
New Research Provides Insights into Sage Grouse DNA
The greater sage grouse is an iconic bird that lives in the American West’s sagebrush landscape. It’s also a species at the center of a nationwide debate focused on how best to manage its habitat to balance multiple uses and ensure the bird’s long-term survival.
Celebrate Whole Grains Month with Brown Rice, 5 Different Ways!
Did you know September is Whole Grains Month and National Rice Month? To help you fit whole grains into your menu this week, MyPlate is sharing five, easy-to-prepare recipes with brown rice as the star ingredient.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Equality at Rural Development
Last month, USDA took time to reflect on the great strides we’ve made in achieving better Civil Rights results for those who work here and those we serve. This month’s chapter, Rural America is Back in Business, examines how USDA has helped the rural economy rebound. By embracing Civil Rights and opportunity for all, the case can be made that the two themes are closely related.
SNAP Participation Shows Marked Decline
The number of people participating in USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has been declining now for several years from a high of nearly 48 million people back in 2013 to a little more than 43 million in June. That is a drop of about 4.4 million people. This downward trend is encouraging but should come as no surprise.
When Storm Clouds Darkened the Skies in Southern Louisiana, Extension Specialists Lit up Social Media
In mid-August, residents of Southern Louisiana were deluged by about two feet of rain. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the resulting flooding caused at least 13 deaths and damaged more than 100,000 homes. Several federal agencies and partners sprang into action to help, including Healthy Homes Partnership (HHP).
Centennial Job Corps Students Support Firefighting Preparedness through Camp Crew
In the back parking lot of the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), seven workers wear neon green shirts with the Camp Crew logo written across the back. And they stand out.
The Annual Harvest Challenge: Student Teams Supported by Chefs Move to Schools and Farm to School
The annual Harvest Challenge, menu planning and cooking event for high school students, is an important example of how aspiring chefs get started and learn to create winning recipes.
Are You and Your Food Prepared for a Power Outage?
Every year, the month of September is recognized as National Preparedness Month. It is a good time to think about emergency planning for any disaster or emergency. Don’t Wait. Communicate. Make an Emergency Communication Plan.
More Action Urged To Tackle Substance Abuse Epidemic
Several leaders spoke out in Washington this week about the need for more resources to battle a growing substance abuse and addiction epidemic in this country. (Gary Crawford, Sec'y Tom Vilsack, Michael Botticelli and Sen. Rob Portman)
Actuality: Vilsack- Substance Abuse Needs To Be National Priority
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack telling an audience at the Washington Ideas Festival that the nation's substance abuse and addition epidemic needs to be a top national priority.
Work on Nutrition Issues Showing Results
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says years of work in improving access to healthful foods are beginning to bear fruit. (Gary Crawford and Sec'y Tom Vilsack)
One Step Could Help Cut Massive Food Waste in This Country
The top U.S. agriculture official says people could significantly cut the amount of wasted food in this country with one step. (Gary Crawford and Sec'y Tom Vilsack)
Discovering The Sequence To Save The Source Of Chocolate
Genomic sequencing of a fungus that threatens the source of chocolate could lead to disease resistant trees for cacao beans. (Rod Bain and Brian Bailey of USDA's Agricultural Research Service)
Actuality: Health Benefits Will Continue If Nutrition Programs Continue
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack telling a National Academy of Sciences Roundtable on Obesity that if Congress reauthorizes the many initiatives in the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act, the nation will be healthier, health care costs smaller.
President Obama Hosts Tribal Nations Conference
Tribal leaders from across the country are gathered in Washington this week for the 8th Tribal Nations Conference. (Gary Crawford, President Barack Obama and Sec'y Tom Vilsack)
Tom Vilsack’s lonely fight for a ‘forgotten’ rural America (Washington Post)
Late last year, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack strode into the Oval Office to tell President Obama that he wanted to resign. “Mr. President,” he said, “I think it’s time to go.” Vilsack had survived nearly eight years in Washington as Obama’s model Cabinet secretary — a disciplined and efficient technocrat who understood the inner workings of his department, worked well with lawmakers and did not cause trouble for the White House.
Vilsack Continues Support For Natives: USDA Announces $9 Million In Funding (Lakota Country Times)
Throughout President Barack Obama’s time in office he has seen many come and go from his cabinet. One member of the president’s team however has maintained a consistent commitment to Indian Country as exemplified by his announcement on Monday that the USDA would committing $9 million in new funding for tribal-nations.
USDA commits $56 million for local and community food projects (Northwest Signal)
At the New York Times Food for Tomorrow Conference, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced more than $56 million in grants to strengthen local and regional food systems, support farmers markets, and fund organic research. Since 2009, USDA has invested over $1 billion in more than 40,000 local food businesses and infrastructure projects. “Since this administration launched the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative in 2009 to coordinate USDA efforts to support local and regional food systems, there has been a dramatic increase in consumer demand for buying local,” said Vilsack.
USDA’s $56 Million Cash Injection for Organics and Local Food (Food Ingredients First)
Research into organics, regional food systems and support for farmers markets are being given a US$56 million boost in funding as the US government creates new market opportunities for producers and encourages consumers to better connect with their food. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the grants during yesterday’s (September 28) New York Times Food for Tomorrow Conference which brings together a range of leaders to discuss important issues and trends affecting how to feed the global population.
Agriculture Department’s Local Initiatives to Address Rural Opioid Epidemic (Pain Medicine News)
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, JD, announced new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) initiatives to strengthen outreach and education resources at the local level to combat the rural opioid epidemic. The effort coincided with President Barack Obama’s designated Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week from Sept. 18 to 23.
More than $56 million in grants for local, regional food systems (Farm Futures)
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced more than $56 million in grants to strengthen local and regional food systems, support farmers markets and fund organic research. Since 2009, USDA has invested more than $1 billion in more than 40,000 local food businesses and infrastructure projects. "Since this administration launched the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative in 2009 to coordinate USDA efforts to support local and regional food systems, there has been a dramatic increase in consumer demand for buying local," said Vilsack.
Forest Service proposes a “cultural shift” for more access to public lands (Denver Post)
The U.S. Forest Service is scheming a historic shift from a century of strict regulation focused on controlling and limiting access toward a new mission that encourages more Americans to more safely explore public lands. The agency’s top recreation officials Wednesday gathered at the REI flagship store in Denver with dozens of outfitters, guides and outdoor-industry leaders to discuss the transformation of the 111-year-old agency.
|
