Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food

[JohnJAustin0738]

If Obama's wife say's we can't have potatoes acording to the dinner plate she will not be helping Idaho farmers.

[ThomasHorter]

yeah, there is a really good idea to know our food. It shouldn't be our job to go find out what is in our food or where it comes from etc... JUST PUT A LABEL ON OUR FOOD THAT SAYS WHAT THE FOOD CONTAINS!!!! And not leaving anything out. Also put a health risk label like we do on tobacco. Warn the consumer what they are supporting.... which is what you support, right Vilsack? If anyone reads this that doesn't know what Monsanto is please google it and all government relations with the company.

[1287cr]

This is all a Public Relations stunt, he knows the majority doesnt want the GMO crap he supports. So why not pretend to care. If you really care Label our foods that contain GMO's. Change the crap our kids eat in school. Quit all the regulations making it so hard on small farmers. If we want RAW milk etc, we should be able to buy it. I will put my trust in a local farmer than to trust the USDA/FDA.. LIES LIES, your BOSS is where your ethics lie. We know where your money comes from Monsanto.

[RobinSpence100]

My God-Geez how the hell is the Monsanto Vilsack now Secretary of Agriculture/GOV? Geez I thought it was just this state/GOV! thereafter coming on youtube I guess I was right of Obama he needs to quit the terror crap and to knock off patting bad on the back as he did this states crooked Gov. Hey OBAMA I STILL WANT MY OVER 65000. IN LOSSES YOUR PREDITOR GOVERNMENT FRIENDS CAUSED!!!!!!!

[alexigente1]

Yes, I do know my farmer because I belong to a CSA. It's been an interesting experience - I eat more 'seasonally' now (I live in NY State) so no tomatoes when it isn't tomato season. Many seem to think that CSA is a luxe indulgence. Actually mine is reasonably priced and low income shares are offered. Many CSAs take food stamps. Everyone deserves fresh food; the less your food travels, the fresher and much better tasting it is. It's not rocket science.

[novad511]

The farmers at my weekly farmer's market are hardly hobbyist. They're many generations of farmers and they really need support. I think this is a great idea.

[kndix]

Shame on Senators Roberts, McCain, and Chambliss for opposing this program.

[HenFruitFarms]

If you really want local agriculture to thrive, then get out of the way! I don't want to be regulated out of business, I don't want any government subsidies. I can only speak for myself as a local farmer, but I think that the majority of small farmers feel the same way. Change the laws to make it easy for local agriculture to thrive.

[christineykim]

Some ideas are:

- Resources or local communities that help teach people how to grow an urban organic garden on their balcony, indoors, or in their backyards.

- Educational material on growing seasonal vegetables and other specific topics.

- An online community or forum to link people together that are all advocating healthy, nutritious, organic and local food systems, and those that are trying to live that lifestyle.

[mykittykatie]

I think minimizing regulations would help encourage local sustainable agriculture. It not just fruits and vegetables that we can get from farmers markets and local farms; we can also get eggs, milk, milk products and meats but there are a lot of needless regulations that limit opportunity.

If a business/farm is local it is easy for the consumer to visit and see for himself the quality and care that goes into the food produced.

[88oathkeeper]

yeah, thanks Tom for passing legislation in Iowa to ban small towns from keeping Monsanto out of their childrens intestines. Thanks for Round up Ready Soy, sugar beats, canola, corn and soon to be wheat crop. Now we can feel safe spraying Round Up on all our crops to keep those pesky weeds from forcing us to get down on our hands and knees and pull them! Thanks Tom...you're doing gods work!

Geezus fuckin christ Americans are tools!

[spalloned]

It would help if people didn't have the right to hold patents on seeds. This ruins the little farmers...no one should be allowed to produce self-terminating seeds or sue others for seed use.

[battlangl]

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting local farms and also for spreading the word to people through mass media, because in the end it's the consumer who makes the decision. I hope that when people understand the importance of buying locally, they will make the right decision.

This world is a better place with people like you in it. Thank you Tom for actively supporting what is right.

[MagnesianPhoenix]

Wow, this is a really great start. I hope the next Farm Bill actually reflects this startling new commitment. It's going to take more than the existing bunch of documentary films and guilty suburbanites to change the system.

[Inness54]

See "Locavore Commercial Take"

It's the real deal

[88oathkeeper]

oh...we understand where our food comes from Tommy Boy.

Thanks to little pricks like you, it comes about 90% from Monsanto.

Don't believe this bold faced liar from the USDA.

He's just another little prick in this pack of liars from WASH.

[88oathkeeper]

Do you like Monsanto? Do you know they put 1000's of farmers out of business every year? Watch "the future of food"

free Doc.

Vilsack is the devil himself. He loves GMO and has his pockets lined by Monsanto. Don't fall for this B.S. people...please...do your homework!!

[88oathkeeper]

Vilsack is a fucking criminal. he should be tried for treason.

Do your homework people!!!!

He wants to block your right to protest GMO products in your town!!! Know your farmer....my ASS!! Don't believe one word from this criminal Nazi!!

[battlangl]

Can you please direct me to your resources? I would like to learn more about this.

[stickmanmitch]

I work in the produce department of an international grocery store chain, and the produce we get in comes from all over the world. And it's not specialty items, but basics like corn, apples, or oranges. I'd love to see the return of small local farmers.

[LESSProductions]

Despite any ulterior motives the theorists might detect, this video does achieve it's goal: Starting a dialog about fresh food and rejuvenating local economy. A national dialog brings us one step closer figuring out what we can do to have a healthier country, both physically and financially.

If you're interested, check out clips from PolyCultures: Food Where We Live on LESS Productions' channel. It's a documentary about the efforts of local farms in NE Ohio. If you like what you see, subscribe!

[Ovijc80]

Regardless of what the USDA actions are, the USDA Secretary asked some very pertinent questions. Do we know our farmers? How many of you know who grew the head of lettuce you bought at the supermarket? Where does it come from? Whenever I go to the supermarket I don't where it comes from besides the occasional label stating where the produce was shipped from. How can we find out where our food comes from?

[Pippinish1]

It's sad to see so many Americans have doubts about this video (not that I believe the government has not done plenty to deserve this cynicism!)

However, in the event that USDA is truly trying to find out how many folks support this idea, I want to be counted.

Secretary Vilsack is saying the right things here.

I want to know my FARMERS (small, local, competitive = plural) and see where my food comes from. I want organic, humane, environmentally sound small farms in my neighborhood!

[FrankPSF]

GE research has nothing to do with knowing your food either, as we don't even have the right to label GM foods in this country.

[FrankPSF]

People wake up . . . this man today announced $7 million in grants for research on genetically modified crops. No matter how you slice it, there is no way the type of "Pharming" has anything to do with "knowing your farmer." But it sure goes a long way to ensuring vast, potentially dangerous monocultures in a field near you!

[mccsomthin]

I hope this means the USDA will stop buying junk food for school lunches! And by junk food I mean corn syrup, corn oil, corn starch, corn feed animals, and the milk from those animals.

[CLoveR52806]

I shop at my nearest co-op and farmers markets while at the same time working to get one of each even nearer to me. I feel lucky as I am in WA state, even though we've been losing many of our small mainstream farms, there seems to be a growing and successful sustainable ag and organic ag movements.

[draeg001]

Thank you Secretary for what appears to be your authentic concern about the small and medium sized farms in America--- those Farms in the Middle.

I hope that Know your Farmer resonates throughout our country and people begin to value all the benefits of a local and regional food system.

[pricharm]

I'm really struggling to believe that this plan is more than a marketing scheme to made the USDA look like it cares about small farmers. What about every policy change that has implied a complete lack of concern? Even requirements for organic agriculture, which used to speak to the nature of local farmers, have become unattainable. We are fully invested in industrial agriculture, and I just don't see how this program is any more than a public relations effort.

[jlsharr89]

I appreciate the (albeit vague and relatively ineffective) step in the right direction with the USDA's program, but just beginning a discussion about local food is a little behind. More importantly, with the mind-blowing amount of money in subsidies being handed to agribusiness with the US Farm Bill, it's as if the government's left hand doesn't know what the right one is doing. It is not acceptable to help small agriculture with one hand and crush it with the other.

[vokey588]

I think the fact that the USDA is addressing the burgeoning "Eat local" movement is promising but its action cannot stop here. Secretary Vilsack mentions there is a "national conversation" going on right now (and I agree), but the USDA's significant subsidies to Big Ag stand in the way of transforming our conversation into results. Unfortunately, local farmers are facing steep odds as there are many lawmakers and regulators the industry can influence into stopping any bill that hurts Big Ag.

[crabbott75]

I am an organic gardener with compost, worms and organic matter. I have been studying sustainability in Tampa, FL for the last 2 yrs. I hang out at farmers markets, talk to farmers, grow my own food and buy from my neighbors as much as I can. I am currently promoting the movie "Fresh". This movie is educating my community on the value of their consumer dollars for local sustainable food. Lets make a difference with our children. Lets teach our kids how to grow food.

[sustainablefarming]

Wow! Living in a rural community, this is music to my ears. Our community and many neighboring communities are being ripped apart by corporate farming. Our water is contaminated, children are sick and no one can sell their home. The well lobbied agencies given the duty to protect the environment turn a blind eye to what is happening. Yes we can, I hope before it is too late. Our children deserve better!

[etthomas3488]

I'm not sure what to take of this initiative. Is this simply a red herring to distract from the fact that the sourcing of the vast majority of American's food will not change if the current subsidy strategy is maintained or is it a good faith initiative designed to connect citizens to their local farmers? While I sincerely hope it is the second, the federal government's current policies are undoubtedly working against small farms.

[michaelalt3]

I am reservedly encouraged by the announcement of this new initiative. However, as comprehensive health care reform is being addressed at the moment, I have no doubt that food safety and food availability will become an issue if importance. USDA, what will you do, under the auspices of your new initiative, to protect the local farmer and the farmer's market from suppressive regulation? Local needs a federal champion, are you, USDA, finally willing to be that champion?

[mstaffiera]

USDA,

This is the right direction, and this video outlines the goals for national food health that we need to actively pursue at a federal level. But after watching this video, I had more questions than answers. How do you plan to achieve these goals? Where do you address the juxtaposition between the aim of this initiative and the ulterior agenda of the Food Safety Bill? Misleading us under false pretenses is irresponsible.

[AsymptoticLife]

As a small farmer myself, I have to say that we propser DESPITE the USDA, not because of it. Billions of dollars in subsidies go to huge corporate farms that want to put me out of business-- and can sell at lower prices because they get so much taxpayer money. Regulations more stringent for small farmers make it harder and harder to stay in business. Our local food economy thrives because people appreciate what we offer. The government, sadly, more often works against us than for us.

[joneshannahg]

I appreciate that the USDA is taking steps to support the local food economy. It needed to happen. However, I am concerned that this initiative will not reach far beyond the small portion of Americans who are already aware of the importance of buying locally & who have the means (both geographically & financially) to do so.How do you plan to convince all the other Americas that they should spend extra on a locally grown product when they also have the option of buying a cheaper (subsidized) one?

[cbrandow]

Mr. Vilsack,

Doubtless, knowing our farmer will do much to know our food... that is, if we are eating food that allows us to locate a farmer at the other end. Where is this person in the prevailing food system? The Food Safety Bill creates a climate where the farmer we're getting to know is still held in the grip of corporate, profit-driven giants.

Maybe we should be instead seeking to know our immigrant laborers, our barely-getting-by farmers, and our diabetic children.

[sdsymons]

USDA, how do you intend to reconnect the American public to their local farmers in order for them to buy locally grown fruits and vegetables, under your current programs. The farmers we want to support (those who grow diverse crops in a sustainable manner) and the very ones who are impeded by your Food Safety Bill and subsidies. Local sustainable food is what the American public wants and this new program will accomplish nothing if you do not change your current attitude toward farmers.

[haydenlukeshaw]

I am so encouraged by this message. I am a new small farmer. Our family started a farm this past spring at 6,000 ft., so we face challenges unique to this region. Would love to know how this program would help me and other farmers in our area (we need more!) financially with needed infrastructure; barns, greenhouses, etc.

[RobertWhitlock]

Yes! good message. good start. good conversation.

I am interested in the Transition movement, which seeks to eliminate the need for fossil fuels in our food systems.

We can have healthier, happier, and more vibrant communities when we make the move to local food systems.

I believe that we owe it to future generations to create a truly sustainable food infrastructure.

Close the loop.

[AmyatBao]

For this project to succeed, you will need to really know your users (farmers and people wanting to know more) and an easy interface. My colleagues and I have designed a platform that combines aggregating the latest farming research, relevant and engaging farm management tools, and personal networking to help farmers leapfrog some of the most common barriers to profitability and sustainability. Contact me for more info.

[cheesechick1]

Wonderful to hear more is being done to support small, local farms and build local foodsheds! During my time living in Portland, OR, I saw firsthand how this dynamic is powerful and can work. Now, living in Arizona, I see what a long way we have to go but we must start somewhere. Thanks for doing more to keep our food system local and safe!

[SWKSMILK]

Eating local is a great thing. However, I think it is very important to understand that the U.S. is a major supplier of safe, wholesome, food to many people in the world. We cannot feed the world solely with local produce. American farmers are to be commended for the great job they do everyday. Please be wary of the horror stories spewn in Food, Inc. and by anti-ag groups. They would lead you to believe that all big ag is bad. I know these farmers - nothing could be further from the truth!

[mapachelocos]

Extremely well stated and I couldn't agree more. I like to buy some of my groceries at the local farmers market but also believe Mexico should have access to buy competitively priced food and feed ingredients from the U.S. I also like to buy tomatoes and apples in the middle of January which is not possible without global trade.

[meganliddle]

Dear Secretary Vilsack,

What if we could find a way to allow food stamps to be applied toward a CSA membership?

If USDA could help make this happen, I know of many communities and nonprofits who would rise to the challenge by helping arrange convenient pick-up or delivery locations, recipes, and cooking classes.

[1902m]

the man was incompetent as gov. of Iowa, now he is our national face of agriculture. its nice to see more wasteful legislation for something that really doesn't need to be done. thank you tom vilsack, for wasting more tax dollars and ensuring there is little hope for the future of this nation.

[jakelucky18]

I am the farmer and know exactly where my food comes from!

[LucySd0g]

Thanks, Secretary Vilsack. We have farms all around us, but in order to have a dependable income, many of them have contracts to a few major buyers such as big box stores, rather than the less predictable local market. I would like to see more local and whole foods in my grandson's school lunches. How will you help connect schools and communities with farmers, in a way that is practical for the farmers and enhances their income?

[NHMntnHIGH]

This shill is so full of crap. his ass should be sent to cali to work the fields in his "dust bowl" then put on trial as a traitor for doing what he is in cali . with the farmer vs fish BS.

[davidwparker]

For my contribution to local food, I'm using part of my tax return to have raise beds put in my backyard for growing my own vegetables, herbs, and things like garlic. I know someone who does this as her business.

[rosecreekfarms]

We are a small farm in Texas and I hope Secretary Vilsack is genuine with the support of local small farms. This is a good sign from the USDA. I am hopeful and excited! There is much work to be done by those forming policy to protect the small farms and preserve their right to supply their community with these valuable uncompromised products. Let the USDA know you do not support the "HR2749" as it stands. It needs to do more to protect and preserve the small farms of america. Please do it now.

[WickWares]

Part 2 It looks like USDA with National Animal ID System and Food Safety Enhancement Act (HR2749) is working for the big operations and wants to let the small local food suppler fall by the way side. If a farm is selling direct to the public they should be exempted from this type of regulations. I have found that if it doesnt go Moooo the Texas extension services and USDA will have very little help for you.

[WickWares]

Part 1 I'm a local farmer serving a three county area in Northeast Texas. We are trying to put together a network of farmers from the local area to have a more diversified food supply. But the funding isn't there to support the need for cooperative distribution and packing operations. Continued in Part 2....

[Sandmantheman02]

It's a shame only 44 comments

[mapachelocos]

It is great the USDA is supporting local food and taking steps to inform Americans where their food comes from. Local markets serve an important growing segment of demand in The U.S. However, not every American choses to or can afford to buy their food in this manner. Also, many countries in the world depend on The U.S. as a reliable competitive supplier of ag products. The combination of local and global supply chains is what makes our food system the world's safest and most affordable.

[homesweetfarm]

PART 3: This new initiative by the USDA is encouraging, I'm just wondering how it can specifically help us. A current concern that we have is the regulatory issues that will burden small producers, i.e. the National Animal ID System and the Food Safety Enhancement Act (HR2749). No matter how much we promote local food, these regulatory issues will make all other efforts in vain unless farmers selling direct to the public are exempted from such regulations. I'm still encouraged! Thank you.

[homesweetfarm]

PART 2: Small diversified vegetable growers have been largely ignored by Texas extension services so over the last 5 years we have been developing these programs on our own without any outside assistance. Considering our website has received over 1.3 million hits the last year proves we are on the right track. Continued in Part 3...

[homesweetfarm]

PART 1: I'm a local farmer serving Houston with the largest CSA program in the area.  We have been working to create a network of local farmers to serve more people and to expand our program. The help that local farmers need is the funding to create cooperative packing and distribution centers in the rural landscape along with the technical assistance to grow more growers. Continued in Part 2....

[ContinentalDivide]

Join the 30 Day Throw Down! movement. Search it through Google and it will take you right there. This is what we're all about. Healthy eating, knowing your food sources, sustainable farming, and cutting out the fast food chains that are none of those. Watch Food, Inc. when it comes out. Drop by and join us! It's FREE.

[michedzi]

I love to see this, and hope the intention is real.

I'm anxious to see if we put some teeth on these words; supporting local agriculture will mean taking measures that large ag-business will most certainly oppose.

Take seed saving - a crucial step in ensuring local viability of crops - now rendered functionally illegal per Monsanto. Likewise, Monsanto's trade protected crops pollute a nearby farmers crop and Monsanto trumps the real victim in the courtroom. Change this, if you are sincere. Thx

[efa4a]

I'm a farmer in Oklahoma, and this all sounds great. I support the initiative!

[cantreadgood]

HR 2749 which was passed in the house will not help this initiative. It will impose big Ag level regulations and fees on small farmers, who are essential to any local food system. Where does the USDA stand on HR 2749?

[jsteelethg]

An excellent initiative. We are developing an online market as well as adding more local community farmer's markets in our Gainesville area to help support our local farmers and bring the people closer to their food producers.

[crewton19]

Also, I think this slogan would look great on a green tshirt. I would definitely buy one from the the interactive website others have suggested.

[crewton19]

I've been buying my vegetables from a CSA for about a year and a half. We even go out to the farm on occasion. Recently, I've joined a meat CSA. I like that the meat is butchered in small batches, humanely.

This summer when visiting my parents in the MidWest, I was shocked to realize how difficult it was to find local meat sold in stores. I would love the USDA to find a way to allow smaller scale butcheries to sell their product in stores and not just direct to consumers.

[hmduchscher]

After a 1-yr experiment in eating exclusively locally, I now talk to groups all over the community (Central TX) about the benefits of eating a local diet and how they can get started. I also founded our local Friends of the Brazos Valley Farmers Market and am Coordinator for the Brazos Locavores (connecting the community with local food producers). I blog about it all at Simple-Green-Frugal. Knowing where your food comes from is a powerful, healthy, and beautiful way to live!

[tandersphoenix]

I think the attention given to this by USDA is great! I am a local poultry and egg producer in Missouri. I am building a good customer base and the demand for local food is increasing. I think the biggest problem I am facing and others here in my community is. There are a lot more people who would love to be able to buy locally but it is too expensive compared to the big producers. With the economy in the state that it is in many people cannot afford to pay for locally grown foods.

[zungazan]

Totally awesome. I like the direction we're going. For folks new to this idea, check out the movies "Food, Inc." and "King Corn". Buying local/organic may be a bit more expensive but it feels so good!

[kstrassel]

I am well acquainted with my local farmers, and I hope this initiative will prompt many others to seek out their local farmers and food producers. I have started an organic garden club at our elementary school in southeastern Massachusetts, and I am also a part of a group of parents who is working to get fresh, local, healthy foods into our school cafeterias. Can't wait to check out the KYF website tomorrow.

[21cancer21]

As a local food grower, I appreciate the sentiment of the message but a true initiative can only begin with changes to regulations that inhibit the exchange of goods and services between producers and consumers. Local farmers' hands are tied to industrial standards preventing them from providing people wholesome food. Consumers' hands are tied so they can't buy wholesome meat and milk from their neighbors without government intervention. Initiatives are good - but let's change some laws!

[homebrewgirl]

I have to admit, that when you were first appointed I was afraid you were going to be yet another corn/soy/wheat/Monsanto-loving gov't drone. This new initiative is a really nice breath of fresh air. Kudos!

I do know my farmer! Where I live (seacoast NH) there is a high demand of locally grown products. I would like to see gov't subsidies on produce (fruit/veg) rather than corn/soy/wheat/canola. IE, get more farmers growing fruit/veg in this country than monoculture crops.

[evanmalach]

I wish we had this in Canada!  This is awesome!

[ContinentalDivide]

Join the 30 Day Throw Down! Search Google and it will take you right there. It's a grassroots effort to do just what this video is talking about and also saying saying NO to fast food and highly processed foods. A book is being written. Come be part of us.

[susfintube]

Build on the success of the NRCS conservation programs; invest in sustainable agriculture research; provide training and support for urban farmers; keep laws and codes simple for small-scale producers; purchase local food at USDA offices and institutions; encourage other institutions to do the same; help cities establish community cafeterias (like the ones in Belo Horizonte, Brazil) that provide subsidized, nutritious meals using local produce.

[mpaone]

I'm also interested in this idea of community cafeterias. I think it's a great market-supporting alternative to emergency food. I hope to visit there some time!

[whittfarm]

I am so glad to see this here. The public need to know where their food comes from. The US farmer provides a safe, local safe food supply for our nation.

We have a dairy farm in upstate NY and

I whole feel very strongly about educating every one on the importance of food safety

Support your local farmer, go to a local farm market. Buy fresh, buy local. support local agariculture

[PyraBurns]

Finally! This has needed to happen for so long. I see it as a start. As well as getting more nutritious food from closer to where we live, I think people need to be educated about food. Most people don't realize that apples don't fall off the tree year round and that mangoes don't come from the US. Cold storage requires a lot of energy. We've been spoiled for so long.

We also still need to figure out how to make this food more accessible. The cost keeps people away.

[smandzik2]

I love the idea but I shop at farmers markets and i dont know any of the farmers. Im so used to not thinking about the person behind the counter as the producer.

I will def try to get to know them now.

Also, kudos to your team for reaching out to us. Goes a long way towards creating change and demystifying the scary USDA

[rmarqusee]

Thank you Secretary Vilsack. The suggestions listed in an earlier post - are just a few ideas.

You have made my day!

Rob Marqusee

[rmarqusee]

tax credits for supermarkets & food service organizations that provide incentives to source their offerings locally; provide grants (not just low interest loans under the USDA B&I programs) for viable local food system proposals; a broad media campaign to educate the public about how local economies are benefited from promoting local food development; incentives to states to enact policies friendly to local food production; expanded programs to train a new generation of farmer on smaller acres.

[windeaterok]

Thanks for this initiative! I would like to see public discussion activities developed that can be used in venues like public libraries to bring people together on this topic. I look forward to more information about it. Thanks!

[FMCorg]

The millions of families and individuals who shop at farmers markets nationwide do know their farmers, and the number and depth of these relationships are growing every day! The Farmers Market Coalition congratulates Sec. Vilsack, Deputy Sec. Merrigan, and the many USDA staff who together worked to bring this issue to the forefront of the agency. Now it's up to farmers, consumers, and communities to ensure that the momentum continues to grow!

[vaporman72]

True Statement.

I live in Potsdam, NY and love the farmer's markets here. So tasty and healthy.

Let's keep this going!

[amlocavore]

I not only know my farmers, but I am introducing them to the two families I have just adopted through my Locavore Makeover Project. I am blogging the journey of these two fast food families as they transition to a locavore lifestyle over the next year. Eat well and be well America!

[MeatFacts]

This sounds like an exciting program!

[jryocum]

I'm very excited about this program. As someone who is very new to the local food movement, I have a lot to learn. I agree that this program needs it's on page on the USDA website. Perhaps with a list of resources for those of us who need to find local farmers markets and produce stands.

[buddhish]

yes!! now if they can get the government to stop heavily subsidizing GMO corn, soy and wheat, not to mention sugar, that would be a HUGE step for the evolution of our country's food system!!

[tjpeeler]

I agree with Frank here. I'm thrilled to see USDA taking steps to encourage people to think about where their food comes from. One thing the USDA could do is start supporting local farmer with policies as opposed to supporting agri-business (Monsanto).

[FrankPSF]

People, despite the seemingly good intentions here, it's imperative to remember that Tom Vilsack was Biotech's Governor of the Year - and he blocked locals from having a say in regulating GMO crops grown in their communities. There's a wolf in the henhouse. Do your part and don't believe that the USDA will do it for you.

[FrankPSF]

There's no question that knowing your "farmer" and more importantly your food, where it comes from, how it's grown and processed is very important. It's interesting that the USDA is initiating this program. Especially considering the propensity of the USDA to buckle to the wishes of big agribusines. When the USDA really investigates safety of GMO crops, hormones in animals and stops it's Monsanto revolving door, then I'll be a believer.

[organic911]

Hello

Yes i'm made a conscious decision to know who my farmer is and also go to visit him on his farm for our produce. I also spoke to someone from the USDA; Vicky .U who is was aware of a project that i am currently working on. One problem- she may of left, tried contacting various other- no joy. If you read this comment Please contact me.

Kindest regards.

[cannuckgrrl]

Hi Mr. Secretary! Glad to hear of the new initiative. Yes, I know where most of my food comes from. I shop at least two farmers markets every week here in Des Moines, I look forward to seeing my favorite farmers every week, not only there but around town when they make deliveries to stores and restaurants. Being a city girl, I would love to see more of a push towards urban farming as well- using public or private land to grow food for sale, charity or schools.

Thanks, Lori in Des Moines

[honeybeealliance]

Yes, know your farm and farm workers! I agree that an interactive website would be great. I would like to see the conversation including organic. And not organic as a marketing strategy, but organic as getting rid of toxic chemicals from our food and water supplies. Let's talk about keeping farms farms and securing a rich ground for generations to come.

[FoodIQ]

Hey Tom,

Happy to hear you singing my tune! Here's what we need for healthier communities.

#1 A garden in every school. Just like the Teich Garden System in the charter school in DC when I had the chance to briefly speak with you back in the spring about school food. The USDA pyramid does nothing to encourage kids to eat the right stuff. School gardens do.

#2 Farm to school programs in every district. I've been trying for years in my own by ARAmark fights us every step of the way.

Thanks!

[ctplant]

The Longmont Farmers' Market - Longmont, Colorado - would like to thank Secretary Vilsack and the USDA for supporting local and regional food systems. Our growers only market offers opportunities to support the livelihoods of Colorado farmers, value-added and prepared food entrepreneurs, chef demonstrations, nutrition education, WIC and Food Stamp recipient access to healthy food. Local and regional food systems grow opportunity, transparency, culture, and values into the food/farm marketplace.

[ctrippea]

My 3 children started a fresh pasta business

at the local farmers market this summer, they

became good friends with local farmers.

They began to understand the effort that goes

into things fresh and wholesome. Watching the

girls make their products, transport them to the market

& greet the regular customers with enthusiasm

proved to me that our culture can change,

taking a step back in time with our children opens

eyes into what our future can offer.

[paperonion]

This is a great program! As someone who's very active in the local food movement - I'm glad to see it.

But the program itself needs a website! Not just a letter on the USDA site. A user-friendly, content-dynamic website that's accessible to both adult consumers, and school children. Any plans for that?

[HonestMeat]

I'm eager to hear what this initiative entails. However, the name of it should be "Know your Farm & Farmworkers, Know your Food". For every farmer there are a mountain of people working behind him or her.

One thing you could do is help create model policies for cities & counties to protect & maintain their agricultural land base. Help cities inventory all of their vacant lots that could be used for urban ag. Create funding programs for cities/suburbs & not just rural areas.