USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack on Monday addressed the winter meeting of the NASC, telling members that USDA’s focus has been on developing sustainable food systems through areas like funding an organic transition program and helping farmers turn waste into biofuels.
Vilsack said USDA believes there are more options for farmers other than “get big or get out. There’s got to be a system in which the many and most have a fair shot.”
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Vilsack noted the administration’s focus on a “true local regional food system” that he said would be more resilient and less susceptible to foreign conflicts, international trade and production in other countries. He specifically urged state leaders to get more involved.
“Why can’t they invest in value-added opportunities? What’s preventing them from encouraging ecosystem markets in their state? Why aren’t they investing in bio-based product manufacturing and creating opportunities for agricultural waste? How about using some of that money to support local and regional food systems? Maybe they can help with input costs,” Vilsack said.
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He urged the NSAC members to focus their efforts on educating lawmakers and urged them to push lawmakers to keep expanded funding in place.
“There’s historic money invested in this and there are some people who want to take it away,” he stressed.
