Big Win for Sustainable Foods

Good news! (And we all know we can use some!) The President recently chose Kathleen Merrigan, director of the Agriculture, Food and Environment Program at Tufts to serve as the Deputy USDA Secretary. Merrigan made the "sustainable dozen" list of deputy secretary candidates put forward by Iowa-based Food Democracy Now.

Over the years, she has been involved in sustainable agriculture policy in organics, conservation, food access, and small farm issues. Most impressively, while a Vermont senate staffer, she drafted the Organic Food and Production Act of 1990 and then went on to work at the USDA's agricultural marketing service (AMS), which runs the organic program.

Sign On to Support the Sustainable Dozen

There is a grassroots movement initiated by farmers, writers, chefs, eaters and policy advocates who want to stimulate local food systems, promote rural economic development, encourage a new generation of farmers and respond to the growing public demand for wholesome, fairly-produced food.

They've made a list of the "Sustainable Dozen" for the President to consider as USDA Under Secretaries. He has promised to implement USDA policies that promote local and regional food systems, including assisting states to develop programs aimed at community-supported farms.

You can express your voice for local food by signing on to support these candidates and those who have worked alongside the local food community for decades.