UPDATE: Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food

Yesterday the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the recipients of the 2009 Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP). The announcement was made at the opening of the new FRESHFARM Market, which is located by the White House on Vermont Avenue. Also in attendance was First Lady Michelle Obama and Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan.

The $4.5 million to fund 86 grants aims "to encourage ad support the viability of farmers markets and direct marketing projects nationwide." The funding is part of the USDA's "Know your Farmer, Know Your Food" initiative, which is being chaired by Merrigan.

Vilsack made the following statement at the announcement, "Farmers markets have an important role in local and regional food systems by helping consumers have access to healthy, nutritious foods . . . These grants will help continue the recent expansion of farmers markets across the country to increase access to locally grown foods for consumers, and increase incomes for farmers." Vilsack believe low-income consumers will benefit from this program as it will give the increased access the to fresh produce which can be purchased using electronic benefit transfers (EBT)

Yesterdays announcement is one of the may components of the new "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Initiative." As previously reported by this blog, the initiative goal is to "develop local and regional food systems and spur economic opportunity. By successfully restoring the link between consumers and local producers there can be new income opportunities for farmers and generate wealth that will stay in rural communities; a greater focus on sustainable agricultural practices; and families can better access healthy, fresh, locally grown food."

To see a list of grant recipients, or to read the USDA release, click here.

Posted: 09/18/09