On Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:58:51 -0500, "modom (palindrome guy)"
> wrote:

>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.

Hey thanks for posting that!! We're rural farmers and grow coffee,
but like all other small farmers, we have a really hard time competing
against agribusiness. I love the slogan, "Know Your Farmer, Know your
Food"!

I will take the website to our group of small farmers soon.

Many thanks!

with aloha,
Cea