Land of 10 Thousand Lakes and 20 Million Turkeys

From USDA:

Posted by Dan Lofthus, Minnesota State Statistician, National Agricultural Statistics Service, on January 15, 2015 at 2:00 PM

Minnesota may have 10,000 lakes, but it has a lot more turkeys! Check back next Thursday for another state spotlight drawn from the 2012 Census of Agriculture!

As we’re bracing for another arctic winter blast here in Minnesota, it is the perfect time for me to get indoors and introduce you to our state’s agriculture with the help of the results from the most recent Census of Agriculture.

While, according to the Census Bureau, less than 1 percent of our state’s population are involved in agriculture, our state ranks fifth in the United States for the value of agricultural products sold. In 2012, Minnesota farmers sold nearly $21.3 billion worth of products.

Just as with other Midwestern states, our top agricultural products are corn and soybeans. Our growers planted more than 8.3 million acres to corn for grain and more than 7 million acres to soybeans in 2012.  Looking at a more unique crop, our growers lead the nation in sugarbeet production in 2012. That year they harvested more than 12.3 million tons of that crop.

Crops may be the larger portion of our agriculture, but Minnesota livestock sector is not too shabby either. In 2012, our livestock producers sold more than $7.4 billion worth of livestock, poultry and their products, such as eggs and milk. We are especially proud of our turkey industry. You may not know this, but Minnesota is the #1 producer of turkeys in the United States. The latest Census of Agriculture counted nearly 19.5 million birds on our state’s farms.

Our farmers take many steps to make sure Minnesota residents have access to fresh locally-grown food. In 2012, there were 4,213 farms in our state selling products directly to individuals. In addition, 305 farms in Minnesota participated in Community Supported Agriculture programs, bridging the relationship between farmers and consumers. To meet consumer demand for organic products, our farmers also produced and sold more than $67 million worth of organic products in 2012.

This is just a small sample of what the Land of 10,000 Lakes has to offer. Don’t forget, the Census of Agriculture also gives us details of our farms and those who tend to them. I didn’t get a chance to discuss farmer demographics here, but you can check them out by visiting www.agcensus.usda.gov.

A Year of Promise for American Agriculture

From USDA:

Posted by Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden, on December 19, 2014 at 2:00 PM

It’s not hard to list our accomplishments here at USDA: After all, our progress on the much anticipated 2014 Farm Bill has been lauded as “the most successful Farm Bill implementation.” We also launched a website for New Farmers and started a conversation with women in agriculture that will continue to grow for many years to come.

What is sometimes less obvious is the people whose lives these programs and initiatives impact. So, to wrap up the year, I wanted to share a few of my most cherished memories from my first year as Deputy Secretary.

1. This year, I was honored when Secretary Vilsack asked me to lead the team of USDA employees charged with implementing the Farm Bill and especially excited to work on provisions that impact veterans. I was also proud to announce last month that Karis Gutter will be USDA’s military liaison, a position created by the Farm Bill based on the strong demand for veterans to get into farming. Karis will be instrumental in helping people like disabled veteran and outdoorsman Jason Seaton of East Tennessee achieve his dream of bringing wildlife back to his farm.

2. Farming is a tough business especially when you did not grow up on the farm, but that didn’t stop Pam Schreiber from building her own diversified agricultural business, all while raising her three children. I had the privilege of meeting Pam last winter. Now the owner of Eight Mile Creek Farm in upstate New York, Pam produces more than 30 different kinds of fruits and vegetables, certified organic grass-fed beef, pork, and heritage chicken, as well as cage-free organic eggs. To help people like Pam find information and resources to help them get started, this year we launched www.usda.gov/newfarmers.

3. This past summer, I had the honor of traveling with the first-ever, all-female congressional delegation to Africa to focus on empowering women around the world through agriculture. I met a wonderful young woman named Yetemwork Tilahun who is working with USDA’s Feed Enhancement for Ethiopian Development project to boost milk production on her dairy farm through better feeding practices and farm management. Around the world, USDA is building strong communities and giving farmers the resources they need to do what they love.

4. This year also brought about a new discussion on women’s evolving role in agriculture and what lies ahead. At the White House, I gathered with women from different agricultural backgrounds to discuss ways to inspire the next generation of women leaders.

One woman in particular, Kate Danner, a young farmer in Illinois, is already thinking about what is going to happen to her family’s operation over the next 20 years. After completing her college degree, Kate worked up an innovative business plan for her family farm alongside her father. For the first five years of this plan, Kate works for her father. For the next five years, Kate and her father are joint partners. And for the final five years before full transition, Kate’s father works for her. This young woman continues to trail blaze in what has commonly been a very difficult conversation for parents and their children to have about succession planning.

5. This summer, the White House chose 17 individuals that represent the future of agriculture to honor at a Champions of Change event. Coming from both rural and urban backgrounds, these champions showcased the passion that is evident across all areas of the agriculture industry. For instance, Pierre Sleiman of California took his passion for science and technology and started a hydroponics business, while Fabiola Nizigiyimana started her agriculture career in the United States as a refugee.

I wish I could share the stories of every single person I met this year. Each one of them exemplifies the very best of agriculture and rural America. I am proud of all that USDA has accomplished in 2014, and look forward to seeing new faces and hearing more incredible stories in 2015.

Looking Under the Hood of Michigan's Agriculture

From USDA:

Posted by Jay Johnson, Acting Census and Survey Division Director, on December 18, 2014 at 2:00 PM

That’s a lot of cherry pies! Check back on January 8 when we resume the Census of Agriculture Spotlight!

The Census of Agriculture is the most complete account of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. Every Thursday USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will highlight new Census data and the power of the information to shape the future of American agriculture.

When you think of Michigan, you may think of Detroit and the car industry, however our agriculture industry is also critical to our state’s economy. Agriculture’s economic impact on the Michigan economy recently surpassed the $100 billion mark. Traveling through Michigan, you can easily see just how diverse agriculture in our state truly is. In the latest Census of Agriculture, Michigan farmers reported growing many various types of fruits, vegetable and livestock commodities. In fact Michigan produces more than 300 different commodities.

While the Great Lakes provide our crop growers with an abundance of fertile lands and water, it is our dairy farmers that produce our most valuable commodity. According to the Census, in 2012, Michigan dairy farmers sold more than $1.5 billion worth of milk from their cows. And despite the decrease in the number of such farms, the number of dairy cows in Michigan keeps growing. As of 2012, there were more than 376,000 milk cows on 2,409 of our dairy farms.

It is our fruits and vegetable farms, however, which truly make our agriculture unique. For example, our tart cherry growers lead the nation in production of this essential fruit. Michigan had nearly 37,000 acres of farmland dedicated to tart cherry production.

Our farmers are also the second largest producers of tame blueberries, accounting for nearly a quarter of all cultivated blueberry production in the United States. In 2012, Census counted nearly 19,000 acres of Michigan land dedicated to these berries. So when you’re buying blueberries in a supermarket, there’s a good chance that you’re getting a taste of Michigan.

Another interesting fact that you may not know is that most of the cucumbers used for pickling in the United States comes from Michigan. Our farmers harvested more than 25,000 acres of cucumbers for pickle processing in 2012. That’s more than a third of all the acres in the nation dedicated to this crop.

Finally, considering that we’re currently in the holiday season, I’d be remiss if I didn’t boast Michigan’s Christmas tree industry. In 2012, Michigan farmers cut down more than 1.7 million Christmas trees to make everyone’s holiday season as jolly as possible.

As you can see, Michigan agriculture is very diverse and its impact is extremely widespread. Of course this is just a sample of the wonders our farming industry has to offer. To check out all of the other elements of our unique agriculture sector, check out the latest Census page.

A Potato's Eye on Idaho Agriculture

From USDA:

Posted by Vince Matthews, Idaho State Statistician, National Agricultural Statistics Service, on December 11, 2014 at 11:00 AM

Idaho potatoes – the phrase rolls off the tongue easily because Idaho leads the country in growing potatoes. Check back next week as we spotlight another state and the results of the 2012 Census of Agriculture.

The Census of Agriculture is the most complete account of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. Every Thursday USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will highlight new Census data and the power of the information to shape the future of American agriculture.

When it comes to potatoes, Idaho is #1. Results of the 2012 Census of Agriculture confirmed it. According to the census, Idaho farmers led the United States in acres of potatoes harvested, at 345,217 acres. And believe it or not, this was done by only 794 farms. On these farms, 58 percent of the potato harvested acres were for the fresh market and 42 percent were for processing.

Of course, the other parts of our agriculture are no small potatoes either. Overall, in 2012 we had 24,816 farms in our state, and our farmers sold more than $7.8 billion worth of agricultural products. Nearly a third of that amount – $2.3 billion – came from milk sales. Only three states, California, Wisconsin, and New York, had more milk sales than Idaho. Idaho’s Gooding County ranked fourth in the nation for milk cow inventory. The 2012 census counted nearly 179,000 head of milk cows there.

When it comes to crops, barley is one of the biggest commodities grown in Idaho. Nearly a quarter of all U.S. barley came from our growers. In 2012, they produced more than 51 million bushels of this important crop. Nearly 600,000 acres of Idaho farmland were dedicated to barley. We were also one of the top states for winter wheat, with more than 738,000 acres.

We also have plenty of less conventional agriculture, which was captured by the census. For example, 74 farms raised peacocks and peahens in Idaho in 2012. We also had 276 farms that raised llamas and 20 farms that raised bison. This less conventional agriculture was not limited to livestock. In 2012, the census also counted six farms growing boysenberries and 13 farms with currants.

This is just a snapshot of Idaho’s agriculture. Our state has a lot more to offer from both the conventional and the less traditional sides of agriculture. To see more of Idaho’s 2012 Census of Agriculture results, check out www.agcensus.usda.gov.

Secretary's Column: USDA Science You Can See

USDA Blog Post:

Posted by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, on April 4, 2014 at 12:00 PM

While most people have a mental image of research that involves scientists in lab coats, bubbling test tubes and beakers, and technical language that can seem complex, much of the groundbreaking research conducted by USDA scientists actually ends up on your plate, in your home, or on your back. Their discoveries in the lab truly translate into science you can see.

For example, many of us make a conscious effort to eat healthier and cut calories, but it can be tough when faced with a favorite snack, like French fries. USDA scientists have figured out a way to make French fries healthier. Before frying, scientists exposed potato strips to a few minutes of infrared heat. This forms a crispy outer shell on the outside of the fries, which helps to reduce their oil uptake and ultimately reduces calories per serving. If adopted commercially, this method is great news for both food processors and our waistlines.

Or maybe you’re a healthy snack lover and looking for a way to make your snacks pack an even healthier punch. USDA scientists have found a way to add oat fiber to yogurt without affecting its flavor or texture. Yogurt is already a pretty healthy snack, and adding addition fiber can only help—studies have indicated that oat fiber can help to improve heart health.

If you are lactose-intolerant, you may use Lactaid™ so you can still enjoy dairy products. USDA scientists helped to develop the basis for that product, too. USDA scientists also conducted the core research behind ChoiceBatter, a gluten-free rice flour batter that is now being marketed and sold by CrispTek, LLC.

For those who’ve ever woken up late before a big work meeting, USDA scientists have got your back here, too. They helped to develop cotton fabric that is wrinkle-free and fire-resistant.

If you’re a cat person, you may someday see USDA science impact your pet. USDA scientists have developed a kitty litter product that’s nearly 100 percent biodegradable and made from spent grains, often referred to as dried distiller’s grains (DDGs), leftover from the process of making corn ethanol. DDGs are often used as cattle feed, but this new product may provide a higher-value market for the tons of DDGs leftover after ethanol production.

And, to the delight of farmers and people with noses everywhere, USDA scientists are part of a team of researchers investigating ways to combat the brown marmorated stink bug, which in addition to having a distinct odor, can also cause serious damage to valuable agricultural crops.

These are just some of the ways that research conducted by USDA scientists and our partner research institutions touch your daily life. Beyond that, agricultural research also helps to boost the economy. Studies have shown that every dollar invested in agricultural research returns $20 to the economy. In the past five years alone, research by USDA scientists has led to award of 215 patents covering a wide range of topics and discoveries. One of our research agencies, the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), currently has 380 active licenses of ARS-developed technology that are supporting new businesses and job opportunities across the country.

The recently-signed 2014 Farm Bill will help to build on these accomplishments by establishing a new research foundation that leverages private sector funding to support groundbreaking agricultural research. You can follow our progress in implementing the new farm bill and establishing the research foundation at www.usda.gov/farmbill.

Thanks to the new Farm Bill, we can continue the vital research and innovation that have enhanced food safety and nutrition, made farming and ranching more efficient, and improved quality of life for millions of people in the United States and around the world.

USDA Research Tradition Going Strong in the 21st Century

USDA Blog Post:

Posted by Sean Adams, USDA Agricultural Research Service Information Staff, on April 1, 2014 at 1:00 PM

USDA research can be found in many products that you’ve probably never realized.

This post is part of the Science Tuesday feature series on the USDA blog. Check back each week as we showcase stories and news from the USDA’s rich science and research portfolio.

During the month of April we will take a closer look at USDA’s Groundbreaking Research for a Revitalized Rural America, highlighting ways USDA researchers are improving the lives of Americans in ways you might never imagine.

There are “game changers” in politics, sports, art, music and the like. So it should come as no surprise that there are game changers in agricultural research as well—discoveries that changed the way food is produced, and even created new industries to feed a growing world.

Last week’s seminar commemorating Norman Borlaug’s work to launch the Green Revolution is a great example of how a strong science foundation has helped ensure a steady food supply as the world’s population has grown.

USDA science has generated more than its share of groundbreaking research over the years.  Playing a key role in these research discoveries are the four major Research Utilization Centers that are now part of USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS). Originally established in early 1940s for the purpose of finding new uses and markets for farm commodities, the Centers are located in Wyndmoor, Penn.; Peoria, Ill.; New Orleans, La.; and Albany, Calif.

At New Orleans, for example, scientists gave a shot in the arm to the cotton industry by developing cotton fabric that was wrinkle-free and fire-resistant.  At Albany, researchers worked out the appropriate times, temperatures, and other factors for freezing fruits and vegetables to help jump-start the frozen food industry.

If you enjoy milk but are lactose-intolerant, you may use Lactaid™ so you can still enjoy dairy products. Scientists at Wyndmoor established the basis for that product and many other dairy-related technologies.  Researchers at Peoria found a way to mass-produce penicillin, saving many lives as a result. Over the next few years, the four utilization centers will be celebrating 75 years of research excellence that continues going strong.

Some recent examples of products stemming from ARS studies:  ChoiceBatter, a gluten-free rice flour batter that is now being marketed and sold by CrispTek, LLC; a new vaccine for foot-and-mouth disease, a foreign disease that could devastate the livestock industry if an outbreak occurred in the United States; and the Plant Hardiness Zone Map, which changed how consumers and the plant industry access this information.

We will be discussing other groundbreaking research accomplishments not only from ARS, but other USDA agencies in USDA’s throughout this month.  These examples of Groundbreaking Research for a Revitalized Rural America underscore the critical role that USDA scientists play in discovering game-changing research to solve agricultural problems. These discoveries not only benefit the American public, but people around the world.

USDA research impacts each of us every day.

USDA Rural Development Supports New York Water Quality Improvement Effort

USDA Blog Post:

Posted by Lee Telega, USDA Rural Development New York State Director, on September 6, 2013 at 10:40 AM

Water Quality Agreement: From left, Liz Van Buren, Saputo Dairy Foods; Richard Maxey, Delhi mayor; James Thompson, Delaware County; SUNY Delhi President Candace Vancko and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. USDA Photo.

Late last month, I had the privilege of joining New York U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Delhi College President Candace Vancko, Chairman James Thomson of Delaware County and Saputo Dairy Foods USA Manager Liz Van Buren to discuss the Center of Excellence in Watershed Applications and Technology Based Economic Revitalization (COE in WATER) Initiative.

The COE in WATER is an innovative partnership with the State University of New York (SUNY), the local business community as well as federal, state and local governments who are committed to stimulating economic development and creating jobs in rural upstate NY.

While I was there, I was able to share the good news that USDA Rural Development received authorization to assist in administering a nearly $2 million Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant through the Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) program. This project will transfer post process municipal wastewater from the Village of Delhi Wastewater Treatment Plant into retention ponds for storage on the SUNY Dehli.  The water will then be utilized to irrigate college green space.  Utilizing the waste water in this manner allows the treatment plant to accept other sources of waste.  A local dairy processing plant and two other manufacturers in the village will now pursue expansion plans with the knowledge their increased waste streams can be handled by the village’s wastewater treatment plant. It is estimated the expanded businesses will create new jobs in the area.

Delhi is located in the sensitive watershed that provides drinking water to 12 million people of New York City and the metro area.  This partnership between the college and local community and economic interests not only protects such a valuable resource, but allows for business growth and opportunity in this rural part of upstate New York.

To learn more about this and other projects, please visit http://www.delhi.edu/community/coe/. To learn more about USDA Rural Development programs in NY please log on to: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/NYHome.html.

Celebrate Labor Day with a MyPlate Picnic

USDA Blog Post:

Posted by Robert Post, Acting Executive Director, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, on August 29, 2013 at 9:50 AM

Kid-Friendly, Classic American and Foodie Fare MyPlate Picnic Menus

A picnic is an easy and relaxing holiday activity. USDA’s MyPlate resources can help take the “labor” out of your Labor Day picnic. You can enjoy an easy, healthy meal by following this simple MyPlate formula: 5 food groups + family and friends = fun! When planning your picnic, be sure to include more healthful choices of menu items from each food group (fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy) and water or 100% juice to drink.

Fruit
Celebrate the end of summer by enjoying seasonal fruits. You can make an easy (and portable) fruit salad by dicing up fresh fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches, plums, kiwi, and strawberries. If you choose to include apples, bananas, or pears, just add a splash of citrus (like orange juice) to prevent browning. And if you’re feeling more adventurous, try this refreshing MyPlate watermelon gazpacho recipe. You can bring it in a lidded container, or divide into jars for individual portions.

Vegetables

When it comes to vegetables, there are many fun ways to include them in your picnic. You could simply chop up veggies like carrots, celery, and cucumber to serve with hummus or lowfat yogurt dip. Or make an easy bean dish like garden cannellini bean salad or crispy edamame. For kids, try fun snacks that include veggies like ants on a log. Just spread celery stalks with reduced-fat peanut butter and sprinkle with raisins.

Grains

There are many easy grain choices for your MyPlate picnic. Make sandwiches on whole wheat bread, in a whole wheat pita, or a whole grain wrap. You could also bring along whole grain crackers or make your own snack mix. For example, mix salt-free pretzels with whole grain cereal and nuts and then add some seasoning like a dash of chili powder for a savory snack mix or cinnamon sugar for sweet!

Protein Foods

Sandwiches are a great way to pack your protein foods to-go. Sandwiches like tuna apple salad or chicken-arugula focaccia can be packed in baggies or individually wrapped in parchment. You could even tie them up with string and add name tags for each person if you’re feeling creative. If you won’t be eating your picnic right away, bring peanut butter to spread on whole wheat crackers, celery sticks, or apple slices. Or make your own peanut butter and banana sandwiches when you get to your picnic spot!

Dairy

When packing dairy for a picnic, be sure to include an ice pack or frozen water bottles to keep low-fat milk and yogurt products cool. Try a red, white, and blue parfait made with low-fat yogurt, fresh strawberries and blueberries. Or low-fat cheese cubes go great with crackers, apple or pear slices, and sliced veggies.

Beverages

For a healthy and refreshing beverage choice, bring water and add flavor with fruit, such as lemon, lime, or orange wedges or herbs from the garden like mint or basil. Juice boxes that are 100% fruit juice are another good choice and are easy to pack in your picnic basket.

Family, Friends & Fun

There’s one more thing you’ll need to make your MyPlate picnic complete. Don’t forget to pack the fun! Balance your meal and snacks with lots of activity. Bring along a game like horseshoes or charades, or pack a Frisbee or football, or just bring your sneakers to go for a nature walk with family and friends.

This Labor Day, give our sample MyPlate picnic menus a try. We have something for everyone whether you’re looking for kid-friendly, classic American, or foodie fare. Or you can design your own. For more recipes and ideas visit the MyPlate Recipes Pinterest page or ChooseMyPlate.gov.

Taking the Summer On: AMS Interns Gain Valuable Experience

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USDA Blog Post:

Posted by Anne Alonzo, AMS Administrator, on August 21, 2013 at 2:40 PM

AMS interns at the USDA Internship Meeting at USDA Headquarters. During their internship, they met with senior USDA officials, including AMS Administrator Anne Alonzo (first row in the center with black coat and white dress).

Without farmers and the agricultural businesses that support them, no one can eat. This is a simple concept, but it implies that people will continue to choose careers in agriculture. Here at USDA, one of the ways that we encourage younger generations to choose these careers is offering grants to institutions that offer agricultural curriculums. 

Through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), USDA enables students to expand their knowledge of the agricultural industry. NIFA provides grants to schools such as the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez (UPRM) through the Hispanic Serving Institutions Program. This allows these institutions to offer top-notch agricultural curriculums.

This year, six students from UPRM’s Center for Education and Training in Agricultural Related Sciences (CETARS) Program interned with my agency, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). The program, which is directed by Dr. Felix Roman, offers research assistantships and other support to students in agriculture and related fields. The goal is for the students to land a position at USDA or other agriculture businesses after they graduate. These talented undergraduate and graduate students had a busy summer. I would like you to hear what they said about their internship:

Ruben Morales, Junior at UPRM studying Agricultural Engineering, interned with AMS Dairy Programs Marketing Order Operation Branch

I enjoyed going to Capitol Hill for the Future Leaders Conference hosted by the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI). It was awesome to be among hundreds of young people who are aspiring to be leaders in the government and private sector. We heard about job opportunities from large corporations like Ford, Google, and several government agencies. We got a chance to take a picture with US House Representative David Valadao, a first generation Portuguese dairy farmer from California. This moment inspired us all, showing that the sky is the limit if you put forth a lot of hard work and are dedicated to whatever you do.

Elena Flores, PhD Student at UPRM studying Applied Chemistry, Interned with AMS National Science Laboratory

I really enjoyed getting a chance to work in the chemical residue, food and dairy, and microbiology labs. I helped verify that food labels are correct and that the foods are of an acceptable quality. I really think that my experience will help me out in my research project at school, which is analyzing local foods. 

In addition to this great experience, I really enjoyed getting a chance to visit with Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA) Executive Director Juan E. Hernandez Mayoral. During our meeting, we told him that CETARS does a lot of work to incorporate foods from gardens into the School Lunch Program. Mayoral told us that he would put us in contact with the First Lady of Puerto Rico, who is interested in these types of projects. Working on a project like this with the First Lady would make a real impact on my community in Puerto Rico.   

Andrea Lopez-Rodriguez, Senior Student at UPRM studying Agricultural Science and Mechanical Engineering, Interned with AMS Seed Regulatory Testing Division

This was my first internship and it really blew away all of my expectations. One of the highlights of the summer was meeting Deputy Chief of Staff Oscar Gonzales and Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Ed Avalos. Both of these officials took time out of their busy schedules to meet with us. They shared some stories about how they got to their current positions, telling us to work hard and follow our dreams. This meant a lot to us.

Wesley Cuadrado-Castillo, Master’s Degree Student at UPRM studying Mechanical Engineering, Interned with AMS Transportation and Marketing Program

I spent most of my time this summer analyzing the heat and ventilation system of a food hub. Ultimately, the information that we find out can be used as a model for other food hubs preparing to become operational. It was great to apply some of the concepts that I am learning in school.

Jenifier Olavarría-Fullerton, PhD Candidate December 2013 at UPRM studying Applied Chemistry, Interned with AMS National Science Laboratory

The entire summer was a great experience where I learned a lot: from receiving samples to preparing them and going through analysis. The food analysis we were performing helps make sure that products purchased in the supermarket are within acceptable standards, valuable information for the companies using AMS services and for the consumers buying these products.

Susej Maldonado, Junior at University of UPRM studying Agricultural Science, Interned with the AMS Science and Technology Program Plant Variety Protection Office

During the summer, I got a chance to help make sure that new plant varieties entered into our database were distinct and I also really enjoyed meeting AMS Administrator Anne Alonzo. In addition to her current position, she has been an executive at Kraft and a Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Commerce Department, but she is still very personable. It meant a lot to see how much she cared about us interning with the agency.

Back in Puerto Rico, CETARS students are already helping cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders. As part of the program, many of the students engage in outreach activities that encourage kids to choose agricultural degrees. We hope that they continue in their endeavors and that others will follow in their footsteps.

I am thankful for all their valuable contributions this summer and hope that they will consider positions within the agency when they finish their studies.

AMS interns at Capitol Hill with US House Representative David Valadao during the Congressional Hispanic Institute Future Leaders Conference.