OMAHA, Nebraska (cross-posted from Rural Development) — Anne Alonzo, USDA administrator for Agricultural Marketing Service, was the keynote speaker today for the USDA ‘Local Foods for Local Tables’ conference at the Omaha Home for Boys.
“As local and regional food systems mature, we’re seeing demand for local food expand beyond farmers markets into grocery stores, restaurants, schools and other institutions,” said Administrator Alonzo. “Whether through farmers markets, food hubs, or community-supported agriculture (CSA) enterprises, strong local and regional food systems connect rural and urban communities and play a key role in increasing the availability of fresh, wholesome food to all Americans.”
Congressman Brad Ashford, who cooperated with USDA on the conference, said, “Locally grown foods, from a number of area providers, are the answer to providing healthy, fresh foods to our community. As a member of the Nutrition Subcommittee on Agriculture I will continue to support these groups’ innovative, grassroots programs and help remove red-tape that gets in the way. Healthy foods provide children the opportunity to learn more at school, receive a better education and grow into healthy adults who become active members of our community.”
USDA Rural Development Nebraska State Director Maxine Moul, also the Chairperson for the USDA Nebraska Food and Agriculture Council, moderated the conference. Focus was placed on the Local/Urban Foods Initiatives in the Greater Omaha Area including technical, financial and educational support services available through USDA agencies and partners.
“This conference provided a lot of conversation on the challenges and opportunities that local and urban food providers face in production, distribution and consumption,” said Moul. “USDA has a variety of resources available to help every part of food systems to grow stronger and contribute to local economies.”
Nearly 150 people attended the conference. Speakers at the conference included Congressman Ashford, Administrator Alonzo; Elanor Starmer, senior advisor to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack; Brian O’Malley, chef instructor and interim executive director at the Institute for the Culinary Arts at Metro Community College; Dean Ron Rosati of the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture and Jeff Moran, Executive Director of the Omaha Home for Boys.
Tours, interactive displays and an open house was held at the Cooper Farm Urban Agriculture Education Center. The Farm is a collaborative effort of the Omaha Home for Boys, the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture and Nebraska Extension.
Partners who made the conference possible included the United States Department of Agriculture, Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, Nebraska Extension, Omaha Home for Boys and the Omaha Planning Department Housing and Community Development, Farm Credit Services of America, Doe's and Diva's Dairy, Inc.
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