Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack met with the leaders of the Future Farmers of America on Jan. 17. 
The meeting reportedly covered a wide range of issues, including the immediate need for a new Food, Farm and Jobs Bill. When it passes, Vilsack said, the National FFA should study provisions that will help young, beginning farmers become established. He said there will be, he hopes, an easier path to credit and also support for the USDA microloan program, which helps beginning farmers and others buy equipment, rent ground, and buy livestock or supplies at affordable interest rates.
Secretary Vilsack encouraged the officers to work to “keep farming on the front burner” in this country, noting that because it takes far fewer people to produce much more from the land, “every American has new opportunity.” The officers met this week with other cabinet officials and with members of Congress.
For more information, check out the USDA or FFA websites.
Photo source: USDA Blog.
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