Author: Site Owner

When I reflect on USDA’s international work over the past seven years, I don’t just see a great record of accomplishments, I see the building of a strong foundation that positions rural Americans to compete, grow and thrive in the years ahead.

Today, we’re launching the sixth chapter of USDA Results, which tells the story of our efforts, and our impact, alongside our partners over the last seven years to open new export markets, improve trade and capacity building, and empower future trading partners striving to build their own economies.

Trade represents 20% of U.S. farm income – roughly the amount of profit margin across U.S. agriculture. Trade agreements open new markets, helping American producers succeed even in challenging economic times, while promoting agricultural diversification. Ratifying the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement will boost annual net farm income in the United States by $4.4 billion according to American Farm Bureau estimates.  But what does $4 billion really mean to farm and ranch families and the communities they live in?  Every $1 of agricultural exports stimulates another $1.27 in business activity, creating a positive ripple affect across the country that leads to more demand for U.S. agriculture, increased job opportunities, expanding rural communities, and more.

I’ve seen this on my own family farm back in Holy Cross, Iowa. In good years my dad would re-invest profits back into the farm in the form of additional conservation measures, improved seed technology, and farm equipment. These investments made a big impact on our farm’s productivity and multiplied by many more farms like ours, those investments rippled through the rest of the agricultural supply chain.

We see this across the agricultural sectors as well. USDA established equivalence arrangements with Canada, the European Union, Japan, Korea and Switzerland, helped organic product sales grow by more than 78% between 2009 and 2015, thanks to streamlined access for farmers to international organic markets valued at over $35 billion.

Our capacity building efforts with other countries, such as Vietnam, have also led to strong trade relationships. Over the last three years, USDA’s Cochran Fellows from Vietnam have sourced more than $20 million in U.S. feed ingredients, through immediate sales following their U.S. training. Ms. Thi Hoang Hoa Nguyen attended the Cochran Fellowship Program on Grain and Feed Procurement in 2014 which focused on best practices for grain procurement and marketing and how the US regulatory system and grain grading systems worked. Upon her return to Vietnam, from October 2014 to October 2015, her company purchased over $9 million in animal feeds from U.S. farmers.

USDA’s work to assist developing nations in achieving their own food security as well as a stable agricultural economy bolsters long term diplomatic relationships. Our support, by way of the Food for Progress Program, helps developing countries and emerging democracies modernize and strengthen their agricultural sectors. I had the opportunity to visit one of these projects last year in Senegal that worked with farmers to develop their millet production and improve conservation practices. The program also invested in microfinance, providing loans to the farmers and in processing the millet into cous cous with fish oil, employing women in the community. The multiplier effect of investing in agriculture pays off here too: employment for Senegalese women means they’re able to afford food for their children with enough income left over to send their children to school. Educated children will grow up to innovate and lead Senegal into a more economically secure future.  Offering our Senegalese counterparts, many of whom are farmers, a hand up is not creating competitors; this critically important work is cultivating future trading partners and a more politically stable world.

The key to USDA’s record of success in its international portfolio, and what makes leading this work so personally rewarding, is that we invest in the entire continuum of economic prosperity. From our global food security commitments like Food for Progress and the McGovern-Dole program; to capacity building and market development programs like the Borlaug Fellowship Program, the Foreign Market Development Program and the Cochran Fellowship Program; to promoting trade agreements that strengthen agriculture, like TPP, this strategy aligns with the American tradition, a nation serving as a steward of global prosperity, and reinforces our competitive advantage in the global economy as we move into the future.

Fields of asparagus and peas are in full bounty, soon to make way for sweet, juicy strawberries; towering stalks of corn; and more tomatoes than you’d ever know what to do with!  In many parts of the country, as we approach summer, the warm weather means that local harvests are at their peak, and fresh fruits and vegetables abound.  That’s what makes summer the perfect time of year for incorporating local foods into your meals.  And according to the most recently released data from the Farm to School Census 2015, more than 1,000 school districts nationwide are doing just that:  They’re bringing the farm to summer!

When school lets out for summer, there’s still a need to ensure the millions of children who receive free and reduced-price school meals during the school year have consistent access to healthy meals.  USDA’s summer meals programs help fill that gap, serving over 191 million meals to children last summer alone!  Community centers, libraries, day camps, churches, and more can all sign up to host a summer meals site through the summer meals programs, but schools make for a particularly good site since they already have food production facilities in place for serving meals throughout the school year.  The Farm to School Census 2015 found that more than one in five school districts that participate in farm to school programs report including local foods in meals served through their summer meals programs.

Schools serving as summer meals sites often also offer fun, hands-on activities related to local foods that attract and engage kids in their programming.  Farm to summer activities include growing community gardens, taking a field trip to the farm, and conducting taste tests of local produce.

But it’s not just the kids that are benefiting; incorporating local produce into the summer meals programs helps the entire community. Farm to summer arrangements can help increase participation for summer meals, provide a source of income for local growers and producers, and reinforce healthy habits promoted during the school year.

To find out more about summer meals sites in your area, visit the Summer Site Finder.  Or to get involved yourself, consider becoming a site sponsor or helping raise awareness in your area.  To learn more about farm to summer and farm to school programs, check out the Community Food System’s webpage.

We can’t think of a better way to spend time after a long day of work then by relaxing on the National Mall with good food, good company and good music. That’s why after piloting the first ever USDA Farmers Market at Night last year, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has decided to bring back the USDA Farmers Market at Night! It’s an opportunity for people all ages to connect with food and agriculture in a very unique setting.

Visitors can purchase food and enjoy a picnic right next to the market in the Headquarters People’s Garden. The garden is tended to by USDA employee volunteers and produces vegetables and fruits for donation to a local community kitchen. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket but don’t worry if you forget – seating as well as picnic blankets are available in the garden.

The now regularly scheduled night market will take place every Friday starting this Friday, June 3rd through September 30th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The market is located in a parking lot on the corner of Independence Ave and 12^th Street, SW across the street from the Metro exit for the Smithsonian Station (Blue, Orange or Silver Line).

The USDA Farmers Market at Night vendors include farmers, food trucks, bakers, and specialty producers selling an assortment of jellies, pickled foods, fresh juices, soaps, and much more. All of our vendors including small food businesses from the DC-based food incubators Union Kitchen and Mess Hall are either growing their own product or sourcing ingredients from farms, the majority within the Chesapeake Bay region.

Stop by the USDA Farmers Market at Night to meet our vendors:

Farmers and Growers:  Eco Friendly Food, Moneta, VA Good Sense Farm & Apiary, Washington, DC Quaker Valley Orchards, Biglerville, PA Ryan’s Fruit Market, Timberville, VA TLV (Triadelphia Lake View) Tree Farm, Glenelg, MD	Soap Maker:  Georges Botanique Aromatiques
Baker:  Black Pearl Tarts Emma’s Bakeshop Lynnette’s Cakes and Catering Second Rising The Cookie Jar DC	Specialty:  Greca Terra Undone Chocolate
Food Truck:  Ball or Nothing Dirty South Deli Far East Taco Grill Federal City Brothers	Value Added Food Producers:  Number 1 Sons PinUp Preserves Senzu Juicery She Peppers
Food Concessions:  Eat 170 Thunder Beast Timber Pizza Company	Dairy Product Maker:  Ruby Scoops Ice Cream

 

The USDA Farmers Market during the day began its 21^st year in May and operates every Friday through October from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. After the day market closes, vendors depart and new vendors set-up for the night market. More information about both markets is available online at www.usda.gov/farmersmarket or follow us on Twitter @USDA_AMS #USDAFarmersMkt.

By Salsabil Chebli, Policy Intern

The day that had been anticipated for an entire year — May 31, 2016 — I finally began my long overdue internship at American Forests. American Forests was brought to my attention by a dear friend, Sofia Maia Goldstein, who interned here and had the most admirable experience. She told me almost every day how delightful the internship is, how amazing Rebecca Turner is and I knew I had to gain the experience myself (both of us environmental policy majors).

On my first day, I can already relate and apply so many policies and terms I learned in my classes to what I am involved in at the office. It is so refreshing to be able to make the connections from class to real life. I learn better hands-on, and I can’t imagine a more fulfilling internship to get me started on my career path. I truly believe this will be more than just an internship for me, I feel in my element at American Forests.

For me, experience is the most valued. How I can make the most out of my time and make a difference in the world are two aspects I live by.

I moved to the United States from Morocco when I was nine years old. About 20 minutes from my house is one of the most beautiful parks, Great Falls National Park. My best friend introduced me to it, and we would always find ourselves at our “secret” mini-beach spot where we had a view that overlooks much of the beautiful scenery, considering how low it is. Going to Great Falls became a tradition with her and our families. The proximity of Great Falls to my house made me love it that much more, I have to make little effort to enjoy what I love.

Growing up in Morocco, my family and I spent a substantial amount of time in rural areas where my father’s family is from. I grew to love nature and everything else that compliments it.

But, it wasn’t until my later high school years that I realized how significant nature is in my life. I decided I want to be involved in the protection and restoration of our beautiful, underappreciated surroundings.

What captures my interest the most are the crucial functions of trees in urban communities. Trees are no doubt some of the most important elements, and I learned that I am the happiest when surrounded by them whether it be in the city, or rural areas. Since I want to expand my knowledge of green cities and the tremendous role trees play in urban settings, American Forests is the best place to do that.

I am confident my experiences and background will help me excel at American Forests and in protecting our environment.

All this month we will be taking a look at what a changing climate means to Agriculture. The ten regional USDA Climate Hubs were established to synthesize and translate climate science and research into easily understood products and tools that land managers can use to make climate-informed decisions. The Hubs work at the regional level with an extensive network of trusted USDA agency partners, technical service providers, University collaborators, and private sector advisers to ensure they have the information they need to respond to producers that are dealing with the effects of a variable climate. USDA’s Climate Hubs are part of our broad commitment to developing the next generation of climate solutions, so that our agricultural leaders have the modern technologies and tools they need to adapt and succeed in the face of a changing climate.

How important will climate change considerations be in your work in the next 3-5 years?  That was one of the questions USDA employees were asked in mid-April at the start of a two-day workshop at the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in Riverdale, Maryland.  The hands-on training session, facilitated by APHIS’ Climate Change Working Group, the Forest Service, Northern Forests Climate Hub and the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science, was designed to help APHIS employees from various program and support units incorporate climate change considerations into their actual projects.

The workshop emphasizes a structured yet flexible adaptation approach developed by the Forest Service to integrate climate change considerations into project planning and activities. The five-step process includes 1) defining the area of interest, 2) assessing climate change impacts, 3) evaluating management objectives, 4) identifying and implementing adaptation tactics, and 5) monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the actions.

Workshop participants used this process to analyze how climate variability and uncertainty and shifting geography might affect APHIS’ mission in addressing the presence and movement of agricultural pests and diseases.  For instance, would exotic animal and plant species—already proven to be adaptable to changing conditions—be better equipped than native species to survive climate change?  How might storm surges aid in the spread of wood-borne pests?  How might certain changes in climate in other countries affect shipping routes, import seasons, and other trade issues?

The workshop challenged participants to consider new approaches to adapting to climate change. A majority predicted they would apply the adaptation workbook process to another project in the next year.  Nearly every respondent said they would share what they had learned with people inside and outside the agency.

As to the question about how likely climate change considerations would be in their work in the next 3-5 years?  On a scale of 1-10, workshop participants, on average, rated that an 8.

Like the climate, the times, they are a-changing too.

This post is part of the Science Tuesday feature series on the USDA blog. Check back each week as we showcase stories and news from USDA’s rich science and research portfolio.

Responding to Climate Variability is one of the goal areas of the REE Action Plan.  The objective is to develop science-based knowledge to address climate variability, position agricultural communities to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, and enhance carbon sequestration.

Many valuable USDA accomplishments for the year 2015 were the result of cross-divisional teams that developed useful tools to support decision-makers with research-based data.  Knowing weather and climate patterns–driving forces behind the success or failure of cropping systems–is vital information to land managers.  One such tool, AgroClimate, supported by REE and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), helps users manage climate risk with tools that provide information on crops best suited to grow in their region, based on water availability and the amount of water a crop will use.

Useful to Usable (U2U) is an integrated research and extension project funded by the REE working to improve farm resilience and profitability in the North Central United States by transforming existing climate data into usable products for the agricultural community.  The goal is to help producers make better long-term plans on what, when, and where to plant, and how to manage crops for maximum yields and minimum environmental damage.

Understanding the impact of climate change on agricultural production and food security is crucial to help feed, clothe, and fuel a growing world population.  REE joined with multiple institutions to model the economic responses of global agriculture to scenarios of climate change through 2050, including changes in harvested area, international trade, production, consumption, and price.   All scenarios modeled show the potential for significant increases in prices for food and agricultural commodities, raising important concerns about food security, particularly for poor households.

Ensuring nutritional security and supplying the calories for an ever-growing population presents a major challenge because of a combination of factors.  REE has formed transdisciplinary teams to enable agriculture to adapt to a changing climate through the Genetics by Environment by Management (GxExM) approach, seeking to increase actual farmer yields rather than increasing potential yields offered by crop genetic potential.

Under the heading of GRACEnet – Greenhouse gas Reduction through Agricultural Carbon Enhancement Network, REE scientists are generating information that is needed by producers, program managers, and policymakers concerning carbon storage in agricultural systems.  The goal is to develop practices that enhance carbon sequestration in soils and to provide a sound scientific basis for carbon credits and trading programs.

These achievements represent just a sample of the accomplishments across the Department in the effort to respond to changes in the climate.  USDA’s research, education, and extension programs provide the knowledge necessary to adapt agricultural and forestry production practices appropriate to changing climate and to ensure knowledge researches our many partners and the public.

You probably know that climate change affects how we grow food, but you might not know that how food is grown also affects our climate. This interplay is at the heart of an Agricultural Research Service (ARS) project called “Soil and Air,” a concerted effort to feed the Earth’s 7.5 billion people while protecting the planet.

Farmers and ranchers produce food at the intersection of soil and air, which in turn impacts soil and air quality. For instance, warmer air creates warmer soil, leading to different compositions of bacteria and other microbes in the ecosystem and to increased moisture loss through evaporation.

Soils can also act as a “sink” by storing excess carbon from the atmosphere and, in turn, improving the soil’s ability to maintain moisture and nutrients. The same is true of air. When a farmer adds crop nutrients, some of those nutrients are oxidized and lost into the air, increasing greenhouse gas levels. More greenhouse gases mean an overall warmer climate, more variable weather, and an increased likelihood of extreme weather.

At ARS locations across the country, scientists are working to improve the relationship between agriculture and our soil and air resources. One group of ARS scientists in Temple, Texas, is optimizing the application of nitrogen fertilizers to several types of crops. When applied to the soil, nitrogen is a crucial additive that promotes plant growth. When that same nitrogen escapes from the soil, it becomes nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas.

While naturally present in the atmosphere, nitrous oxide absorbs the sun’s heat. Too much of it raises global temperatures. The group in Temple is searching for the optimal time to apply nitrogen so that it benefits plants without increasing greenhouse gases. The scientists have developed a test that allows growers to determine how much and when to add nitrogen to the soil.

Another ARS group, in Pullman, Washington, has discovered soil bacteria that act as a nonchemical herbicide for invasive grass species like cheat grass. These invasives choke out native grasses that provide wildlife habitats, increasing the risk of wildfires. In Pacific Northwest crop lands, they reduce yields and impact soil health. The discovered bacteria can nearly eliminate these invasive grasses within five years, and without harming local cereal crops or native grasses. The Environmental Protection Agency has already registered one as a natural herbicide.

Other ARS soil and air scientists are working on management practices such as cover cropping, reduced tillage, and the storage, treatment and use of nutrient-rich animal manure. By exploring management opportunities in these areas, ARS scientists are helping farmers and ranchers improve soil health and air (and water) quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

These are prime examples of how ARS scientists are helping meet the needs of a fast-growing population while keeping the environment clean and livable.