On Fri, 25 Sep 2009 21:30:09 GMT, notbob > wrote:

>On 2009-09-25, modom (palindrome guy) > wrote:
>> http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/knowy...KNOWYOURFARMER
>
>> This could be cool.
>
>How so?
>
Well, for one thing, it looks like there are Fed bucks to support
small food producers like my friends Nathan and Ellen. They're the
good people who sold me half a hog back in 2007. Since the Melsons are
in a pastured meat cooperative along with the Hales and a few other
local producers, the whole group may be able to get financial
assistance. And it also looks like there is Fed money available to
support restarting the farmers' market here in my tiny town.

I'm still noodling my way through the Web site, but I've found grant
opportunities that people I work with around here on things like
improving the quality of life (and food) may benefit from.

And in general, I guess the idea that the USDA is attending to issues
involving food quality and nutrition at all id a breath of fresh air.
So much of its money and energy historically has gone to Big Ag that
setting up even a modest program directed towards local food
production and sustainability seems cool. At least possibly so.
--

modom