Proposed legislation for credit unions and small businesses
Eric Bendfeldt (VFSC, VCE, SVFFN) provides an example of the influence this legislation can have. Read Here
Rethinking the food system, one pig at a time
The increasing consolidation of power within the food industry has contributed to persistent food recalls, environmental degradation, obesity, hunger, and food shortages. We have reached a tipping point where many opinion leaders are now interested in finding ways to redistribute this power through a regional approach to food systems. Even some major chain restaurants are calling for change.
Check out Chipolte’s moving video that clearly promotes rethinking our food system and rebuilding it from the ground up.
The University of Vermont Breakthrough Leaders Program for Sustainable Food Systems in a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn practical approaches to building a viable regional food system as an alternative to the conventional one that exists now. (Contact Matt Sayre - msayre@uvm.edu – for more information)
A New Web Resource Maps USDA Support for Local and Regional Food Projects and Highlights Business Opportunities
On february 29th the Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan will unveil the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food (KYF) Compass via a live webinar. This KYF Compass is an interactive web-based document and map highlighting USDA support for local and regional food projects and successful producer, business and community case studies. In September 2009, USDA launched the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative to coordinate USDA resources and expertise on local and regional food systems. The initiative also encourages Americans to learn more about U.S. agriculture and connect with the farmers, ranchers and growers who are producing their food. The KYF Compass documents the ways in which USDA has coordinated across its 17 agencies and additional offices, enhanced transparency and met congressional mandates from the 2008 Farm Bill on local and regional food. Go to: Know Your Farmer Know Your Food Compass
Empower yourself!
Learn where to find out about recent 2012 Virginia agriculture related bills introduced to the General Assembly
We suggest that you start following some of the recent agriculture related bills at the State Genera Assembly Site:http://legis.state.va.us/ or at the Lobbyist In a Box site: http://lis.virginia.gov/h015.