USDA adds more panels for urban agriculture
The urban and suburban county committees will work to encourage and promote urban, indoor and other emerging agricultural production practices.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Dec 23, 2020
Excerpt:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Dec. 17, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced six additional locations for Farm Service Agency county committees focused exclusively on urban agriculture.
Organized under USDA’s Office of Urban Agriculture, the new committees in Atlanta, Dallas, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New Orleans, Phoenix, and St. Louis join ones in Albuquerque, N.M., Cleveland, Philadelphia, Portland, Ore., and Richmond, Va. (announced earlier this year) and are part of a broader effort directed by the 2018 Farm Bill for USDA to enhance support for urban agriculture.
“County committees play a critical role in representing farmer priorities at the local level,” Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Bill Northey said. “These six FSA county committees will provide input and priorities unique to the opportunities and challenges of farming in urban environments.”
Added FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce: “Urban and suburban farmers’ service on the county committees can elevate the needs of their fellow growers, their communities, and address issues related to access to healthy food. I encourage urban growers in these locations to take this opportunity to nominate candidates to lead, serve, and represent their community on their county committee.”
