Know Your Farmer

Depending on which source you consult, the average American is anywhere from three to even five generations removed from the farm. And when you think about that, even if folks are only one or two generations removed, farming today is rarely how grandpa and grandma farmed.

In an effort to strengthen the critical connection between farmers and consumers and support local and regional food systems, the USDA started the “Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food (KYF2)” program. Research in 2010 by the Economic Research Service identified barriers to local food market entry and expansion. Two of these included capacity constraints for farms and an inadequate infrastructure to move foods into mainstream markets. KYF2 works to eliminate these barriers.

I am especially interested in helping more producers in this area supply our schools with fresh local produce. If you have interest, or know someone who does, give me a call at 622-2265.