Strain: USDA to Focus on Urban Agriculture in New Orleans

Dec 24, 2020

Today, Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., announced New Orleans is one of six additional locations for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees focused exclusively on urban agriculture.

Organized under USDA’s Office of Urban Agriculture, the New Orleans county committee will join Atlanta, Dallas, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Phoenix and St. Louis. Albuquerque, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Portland, and Richmond were announced earlier this year.

“The committee will focus on challenges unique to urban farming and look at ways to enhance support of farming in those areas,” said Strain. “It’s no secret that urban areas include food deserts. This effort will promote urban, indoor and other methods of producing agriculture such as community gardens, backyard gardens and school projects.”

The new committees may address areas such as food access, community engagement, support of local activities to promote, and encourage community compost and food waste reduction.

The 2018 Farm Bill directed USDA to form the urban county committees as well as make other advancements related to urban agriculture. Urban farmers who participate or cooperate in the FSA program are eligible to become committee members. The FSA will begin accepting nominations for committee members in June 2021 with elections in November. More information is available at farmers.gov/urban.

Source : la.us

Video: Why Port Infrastructure is Key to Growing Canada's Farms and Economy

Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) knows that strong, modern port infrastructure is vital to the success of Canada’s agriculture. When our ports grow, Ontario grain farmers and Canadian farms grow too—and when we grow, Canada grows.

In this video, we highlight the importance of investing in port infrastructure and how these investments are key to growing Ontario agriculture and supporting global trade. The footage showcases the strength of both Ontario’s farming landscapes and vital port operations, including some key visuals from HOPA Ports, which we are grateful to use in this project.

Ontario’s grain farmers rely on efficient, sustainable ports and seaway systems to move grain to markets around the world. Port investments are crucial to increasing market access, driving economic growth, and ensuring food security for all Canadians.

Why Port Infrastructure Matters:

Investing in Ports = Investing in Farms: Modernized ports support the export of Canadian grain, driving growth in agriculture.

Sustainable Growth: Learn how stronger ports reduce environmental impact while boosting economic stability.

Global Trade Opportunities: Improved port and seaway systems help farmers access new global markets for their grain.

Stronger Communities: Investment in ports means more stable jobs and economic growth for rural communities across Ontario and Canada.

We are proud to support the ongoing investment in port infrastructure and to shine a light on its vital role in feeding the world and securing a prosperous future for Canadian agriculture.

Special thanks to HOPA Ports for providing some of the stunning port footage featured in this video.