After a rainy, gloomy weekend here in DC, I heard some exciting news: Secretary of Ag, Tom Vilsack, and Joe Biden’s wife, Jill Biden, were going to be kicking off the starting session for the 2012 National 4-H Youth Conference, which just happens to be held where I am currently working!
Tuesday morning, acting Director of the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young spoke first, encouraging youth to think creatively and strategically to solve community issues and recognize the youth in the audience as America’s future community leaders.
After Dr. Jacobs-Young spoke, Secretary Vilsack spoke for a while about the role of agriculture in today’s society, as well as the potential for youth to grow with Ag in the future. He encouraged the audience to bridge that gap between consumer and producer.
Dr. Jill Biden followed Visack and spoke about the long-standing relationship between 4-H and the military. She recognized some programs supporting military families and encouraged youth to explore ways to connect with them.
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Secretary Vilsack took time for a question and answer session held by the youth to finish up the opening ceremonies; I summarized the main points of the discussion:
Q1) What is the USDA doing to attract students to Ag?
A1) First, don’t make Ag too narrow- there is huge potential for research and technology- careers in Ag involve many besides farmers. Technology is good but hands on skills are just as important. There is a dignity in working with your hands. The USDA provides 3 opportunities for interested youth: Internships within USDA, Beginning Farmer and Rancher programs, and Know Your Farmer programs.
Q2) How is USDA working on child labor laws?
A2) The DOL had deep concern with the safety of children, specifically in grain elevators or commercial operations. Many families use work on the farm to teach youth about work ethic and the association between the money in your pocket and the sweat on your brow. They (DOL) have “taken away” the part that hinders work on family farms for youth.
Q3) How are you regulating organics?
A3) The hardest thing to regulate about organics is the standards and the way they apply to the product. There are many specifics that are also flexible, for example the way beef is either fed grass until finished or grain-finished. There is a specific missionary branch to handle organics. The hardest part about the expansion of organics in the US is that our standards have to align with those of other nations.
Q4) While trying to reduce smoking in America, how will the USDA support tobacco-dependant farmers?
A4) We’re trying to subsidize the farmers cost of converting another crop, many farmers have found that soybeans are an effective alternative. Vilsack also mentioned that tobacco was being researched for any clues to cancer causes and ultimately a cure.
Q5) Vilsack encouraged states to individually support community gardens and local food outreach but didn’t feel that it needed to be mandated.
Q6) Vilsack answered Puerto Rico’s concern about not being agriculturally independent by pointing out that they have something the mainland doesn’t- vacation destination; encouraged to focus on tourism
Q7) What is the USDA doing to promote ag literacy?
A7) Not enough. People today are painting a simplistic version of farming, when it is actually an extremely complicated process and career. As budgets get tight, Ag education is often first to go. 4-H, FFA and the Department of Education need to keep advocating for Ag Education so that wveryone can understand where their food comes from
Q8) What is right in terms of mandating what people can purchase?
A8) The most important thing for the USDA is safety. In terms of the the e. coli recalls in beef, or the salt ban in New York, the decisions will probably remain in the hands of local government, but when safety becomes a concern, then it is the USDA’s job to intervene and create alternative options. As far as SNAP benefits, there is a lot of stereotypes about the recipients of the benefits, so it is hard to determine what should be controlled in their purchases. In schools, we’re seeing a lot of parents complaining about the meals being too calorie dense, but for some students, who may not get enough to eat at home, they could use the extra something in their meal.
Q9) What is the USDA doing to encourage innovation in Agriculture?
A9) They are encouraging research- efficiency is key when talking about crop health and livestock production. The most important thing about introducing new technology is safety. Vilsack also emphasized the importance of supporting both organic and bio tech farmers, to protect Americans’ choices and options.
I have never seen Vilsack speak in person, and I was very impressed with how he fielded the questions! It was a good start to the work day!
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