My Fresh Fruit
Agriculture Deputy Secretary Merrigan visits California to promote affordability of healthy food
Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan today joined leaders from the produce industry at Driscoll's Berries farm to promote healthy food access and to highlight a new report that underscores that fruits and vegetables are an affordable part of a balanced diet. The USDA study concludes that healthy foods – including fruits and vegetables - are often no more expensive than less-healthy foods.
"We all know that we have room for improvements in our diets as we work towards the MyPlate goal of 'making half our plates fruit and vegetables' and this new study shows that we can make those improvements in an affordable way especially when it comes to whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and fruits and vegetables," said Merrigan. "We look forward to working with our partners in the produce industry to make sure that all Americans have access to healthy, affordable foods."New ERS study: Are Healthy Foods Really More Expensive?
A common public perception is that healthy foods are more expensive. Thus, standard buying habits can be influenced a great deal. But a recent study conducted by the Economic Research Service has concluded that it’s really how you measure the price of food items that determines what is more expensive.
The study, Are Healthy Foods Really More Expensive? It Depends on How You Measure the Price, used three pricing metrics to analyze and compare the costs of different food items: price per calorie, per edible gram and per average portion.
California strawberry scholarship recipients conquer odds to reach goals
The California Strawberry Commission is pleased to announce that $188,300 has been awarded to 193 students through the California Strawberry Scholarship Program for the 2012-2013 school year. Now in its 19th year, the program has awarded more than $1.5 million to 1,384 children of California strawberry farm workers.
"After nearly two decades of awarding scholarships to students, we have the privilege and honor to witness their accomplished dreams come true," said Lorena Chavez, Scholarship Committee Chair, California Strawberry Commission. "It is clear that the values exhibited by the heart of the strawberry community – the field workers – are being imparted to their children. The determination and passion demonstrated by these young people is extraordinary."
Farmers focus on immigration reform, farm bill in Washington
A delegation of California farmers, ranchers and Farm Bureau leaders focuses on federal immigration and farm policy this week during meetings with congressional leaders and administration officials in Washington, D.C.
The California Farm Bureau delegation arrived in Washington Tuesday for two days of meetings that conclude today. Farmers say they will provide firsthand examples of challenges they have faced in hiring and maintaining skilled employees to harvest crops and manage livestock. The delegation will urge representatives to take action as soon as possible to avoid labor shortages that affect the ability to harvest food for American tables.
USDA's 150th year of service
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today marked the 150th anniversary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and highlighted the positive impact that USDA has on the life of Americans each day.
"For 150 years, USDA has supported our nation's economic prosperity and touched the lives of generations of Americans," Vilsack said. "I'm proud of the USDA employees who carry out President Lincoln's legacy throughout the country and around the world, making USDA a truly 'Every Day, Every Way' department. Whether improving domestic and international access to food, promoting nutrition and safety of our food supply, conserving our natural resources, advancing agricultural exports, or developing the rural economy, USDA helps Americans to lead better lives."
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2012 Agriculture Stakeholder Conference: pests, pathways, and partnerships
The purpose of this two day conference is to discuss the future of Agricultural Quarantine Inspection (AQI) initiatives and to garner input on how CBP and APHIS can better serve stakeholder needs.
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Inaugural Global Food Policy Report synthesizes food policy actions and events in 2011 and provides outlook for 2012
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) launched the inaugural Global Food Policy Report, the first in a new annual series.
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U.S.-EU Organic Trade Partnership
Organic industry representatives provide their comments
