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Rising concerns over US household food security

Recently, the USDA's Economic Research Service shed light on a crucial issue: Household Food Security in the US in 2022. While a notable 87.2% of households consistently accessed nutritious food, 17 million faced food insecurity. Worryingly, this marked an uptick from the previous year, with 6.8 million households experiencing very low food security. 

Tom Vilsack took these findings to heart. “While many enjoy a full plate, numerous others find their tables lacking,” he noted. These statistics, in Vilsack's eyes, don't just represent numbers but stories of families, especially children, undergoing hardship. He warned against potential rollbacks in crucial programs meant to counter hunger and poverty. 

With the waning of the pandemic in 2022, food insecurity paradoxically grew. Vilsack applauded the government's efforts, highlighting that over half of the food-insecure families benefitted from programs like SNAP and WIC. But these programs now teeter on the brink of reduced funding. 

Vilsack passionately stated, “Hunger has no place in America, especially among our children." He urged the need to prioritize and protect funding for nutritional programs like WIC and SNAP. Emphasizing the administration's commitment, Vilsack pushed for a more significant focus on hunger and nutrition, aiming to safeguard the future of American children and households. 

Source : wisconsinagconnection

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Why Seed Analysts are Thriving Under Seeds Canada

Video: Why Seed Analysts are Thriving Under Seeds Canada

Last month in Edmonton, Alta., industry leaders and stakeholders gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of the seed industry at Seeds Canada’s annual conference. Among them was Sarah Foster, president of 2020 Seed Labs and the new vice-president of Seeds Canada.

Foster, who has been on the board of Seeds Canada for over a year, has witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with the formation of the organization. Seeds Canada was established just over three years ago through the merger of multiple seed industry groups, including the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada (CSAAC). Since then, the organization has been working to define its priorities and solidify its role in the industry.

“The challenge has been allowing the dust to settle after the merger,” Foster explained. “We’ve been focused on identifying what our priorities should be and ensuring that our members, especially the seed analysts, are getting what they need to continue their professional work.”

One of the recent highlights was a pre-conference event where the three major seed labs in Alberta — 20/20 Seed Labs, SGS Canada and Seed Check — opened their doors to members. The event saw a record number of seed analysts and business professionals in attendance. Foster emphasized the importance of this transparency, stating, “It’s crucial for people to see what goes on behind the scenes. We’re an open book now, and that openness helps build trust and understanding within the industry.”

The event also featured an environmental scan and a series of discussions that fostered strong communication among attendees. According to Foster, the dialogue was both encouraging and inspiring.

“A lot of people were really inspired by the fact that Seeds Canada is moving ahead with its agenda. The seed analysts, who have always worked diligently in the background, are now being recognized more prominently,” she said.

Before the merger, seed analysts were represented by CSAAC. Now, as part of Seeds Canada, they are finding their place within the larger organization. Foster believes that the integration has been successful, noting, “I think we’re thriving. You only need to look south of the border, where similar consolidations are happening.”

As Seeds Canada continues to evolve, Foster remains optimistic about the future. “I want to be totally transparent with anyone who is a seed analyst — I’ve got your back. We’re moving in a positive direction, and we’ll do everything we can to meet the needs of our members,” she said.