Source: USDA Press Release, March 24

Mississippi State, Miss., March 24, 2011- Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan today provided highlights of how Mississippi can tap into USDA's 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' initiative, which promotes local and regional food systems by stimulating community economic development and ensuring equitable access to affordable fresh and local food. Merrigan discussed the initiative and food systems policy with students, faculty and community leaders at Mississippi State University and will also speak at Alcorn State University on Friday.

"We know that to win the future we must lay a new foundation for economic growth, create jobs and build and revitalize critical infrastructure here in Mississippi and in rural communities across America," Merrigan said. "The 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' initiative supports and establishes local and regional food systems as an economic development strategy to keep wealth in local communities and link the agricultural community to new markets, while increasing access to healthy food for local consumers."

USDA's 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' initiative emphasizes the need for a fundamental and critical reconnection between producers and consumers. The effort builds on the 2008 Farm Bill, which provides for increases and flexibility for USDA programs in an effort to revitalize rural economies by supporting local and regional food systems. 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' is helping to break down barriers that keep local food systems from thriving, create new opportunities for farmers, ranchers, consumers and rural communities, and expand access to healthy food throughout the country.

One example of how farmers can get involved, Merrigan said, is to participate in local farm to school programs that enable schools to feature healthy, locally-sourced products in their cafeterias. USDA currently is sending teams out to select school districts to work on farm to school issues. Some of these programs also incorporate nutrition-based studies, as well as food-learning opportunities such as farm visits, gardening, cooking, and composting activities.

Providing greater access to fresh, healthy food is a priority of the Obama administration. February marks the one year anniversary of Let's Move!, a comprehensive initiative launched by First Lady Michelle Obama with a goal of solving the problem of childhood obesity and promoting healthy lifestyles. This Obama administration priority is fundamentally changing the conversation about how we eat and stay active, helping to ensure future generations are ready to win the future. Learn more by visiting www.LetsMove.gov.

The 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' website, at www.usda.gov/knowyourfarmer, features social media tools to help focus the public conversation about farming and food, while engaging American agriculture and linking producers to customers.