PETITION CLOSED

  • The time period for signing this petition has ended.
Keep the momentum going at the USDA to support local food systems
  1. Signatures
    95 out of 100
    Petitioning
    1. USDA Secretary (+ 1 other)
      Petitioning
      close
      • USDA Secretary (Tom Vilsack)
      • USDA Deputy Secretary (Kathleen Merrigan)
  2. Created By
    Roots of Change
About this Petition Petition Letter

We’ve seen unbelievable changes at the federal level in the past year.  A White House organic garden and a USDA program that supports the rebuilding of local and regional food systems seemed nearly impossible a year ago.  The USDA's program 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food', launched in September of 2009, builds a solid foundation for a strong local food system infrastructure. 

This program and recent USDA-led conversations with local food advocates demonstrate unprecedented leadership.

The USDA's next actions in this arena can be influenced by our encouragement. It’s critical to show them that we like the direction they are headed in and to urge them to continue working towards building a local food system. 

Because saying thank you and asking for a deeper commitment is so important, we encourage you to personalize this message to strengthen it.  Your message will be collected by Roots of Change (ROC) staff and then hand delivered to the USDA by ROC President Michael Dimock on December 11th.

Recent Signatures

Thank You for Your Leadership on Promotion of Local Food Systems

Dear Secretary Vilsack and Deputy Secretary Merrigan:

As a local food advocate, I would like to send my heartfelt thanks for the creation of the 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' initiative, which promotes local food production.

Your decisions to engage in a serious conversation about local food system development and to act to break down some of the barriers to the creation of local food are landmark. I want you to know that I have noticed and appreciated your leadership.

I urge you to accelerate and expand your work building local food systems. Please ensure that the next Farm Bill includes much more funding for regional food processing and distribution infrastructure.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

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