USDA Launches Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Initiative

Well, there's more good food news coming from the Obama Administration's team. Today, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack officially announced the kick-off of the "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food" Campaign from the USDA's People's Garden. As he says in this video http://www.youtube.com/usda , the campaign is designed to begin a national conversation to help develop local and regional food systems and spur economic opportunity.

Secretary Vilsack recorded a video to invite Americans to join the discussion and share their ideas for ways to support local agriculture.

"An American people that is more engaged with their food supply will create new income opportunities for American agriculture," said Vilsack. "Reconnecting consumers and institutions with local producers will stimulate economies in rural communities, improve access to healthy, nutritious food for our families, and decrease the amount of resources to transport our food."

And, they are putting their money where their mouths are; this week alone, USDA will announce approximately $65 million in funding for 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' initiatives.

Whoo Hoo! Michelle Obama Applies for Farmers' Market Permit!

Just had to post this great news. Got a notice from DCist that the First Lady's office has requested to close Vermont Avenue between H and I Streets NW between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m., every Thursday, for the market.

According to the DCist, this is the day and time that their readers and commentators were hoping for but the location was never discussed since it was unknown.

In this block, Vermont stretches between the far corners of Lafayette Square and McPherson Square. However, nothing is final and location could still change.

It is so great to see FLOTUS and POTUS so strongly supporting local food systems and farmers. It's something this LA Farm Girl has wished for a long time!