Review of Oct 21 address by Kathleen Merrigan
Deputy Secretary of Agriculture
ISU Memorial Union, Sun Room

Ms. Merrigan was introduced by an warmly enthusiastic organic farmer, who
told us she had asked organic farmers to bring their sleeping bags and sleep
on the floor of her Washington apartment so they could afford to be in
Washington to advocate for their needs.  He also related the story of a late
night beer session during which she listened carefully to what the farmers
had to say and at 2am told them she would change her position.  The next
morning, she announced the change.
She talked about the Know Your Farmer Know Your Food website that is being
developed under her leadership,  It's purpose is to help farmers and
consumers connect on a local level.  It is designed to help facilitate the
creativity and implement the ideas of people throughout the U.S. Although it
is still being constructed, there is a good deal of information already
available.  You may access it at:

http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/knowyourfarmer?navid=KNOWYOURFARMER

If IOWA TOPICS doesn't allow the url to be posted, go to USDA and scroll
down to the tan icon with the bright red tomato on it.

Her talk was geared to students, especially young farmers.  She left a
generous amount of time for questions, and in response to most, asked the
questioner to give her contact information so she could connect them to
groups that could help.

In response to a question about the cost of farmland, for example, she
mentioned that there are organizations geared to helping  prospective
farmers connect with farmers who are on the way to retirement and have no
children who want to carry on with their family farm.

Peggy Murdock
Ames

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