USDA has updated the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass – an interactive web-based document and map that highlights USDA support for local and regional food projects through successful producer, business and community case studies. Deputy Agriculture Secretary Kathleen Merrigan notes local food is a rapidly growing trend in American agriculture and offers additional market opportunities for farmers, ranchers and food business entrepreneurs. She says it also enables consumers to develop a deeper understanding of where their food comes from and how it is produced. Merrigan says the 2.0 version of the compass – unveiled Tuesday – includes new stories and data that offer a comprehensive look at the impact local food is having across the country.
Compass 2.0 includes new case studies and additional mapped data – including locations of farmers markets, food hubs and meat processing facilities. Enhanced search functions allow for easier navigation.
More information is available at www.usda.gov/knowyourfarmer
Source: NAFB News Service