In 2009, USDA developed the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative (KYF) to support producers, businesses and communities that are building local food systems and to help consumers learn more about where their food comes from.
And this past February, USDA introduced its Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass—a guide and map to walk you through USDA programs that support local and regional food systems. While the compass has successfully reached many, USDA would like to distribute it even more widely.
On July 17, USDA is proudly unveiling the 2.0 version of the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass, a digital resource detailing USDA’s involvement in local and regional food. The Compass highlights USDA’s wide-ranging investments in local food development; showcases inspiring local food success stories from around the country; and features an interactive map. The 2.0 Version of the map has over 15,000 data points, including USDA-funded local food projects in all 50 states, farmers markets, food hubs, wholesale markets, meat processing facilities, and other critical information about local food’s imprint from coast to coast.
Take the USDA’s Know Your Farmer Know Your Food Compass for a spin!
We’re excited for the possibilities. How do you plan to use this tool? Let us know in the comments!