On Wednesday, Tom Vilsack the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture said, this year, because of Alabama's federal spending, which is nearly $243 million, they are now one of the successful states benefiting from the local food movement.
Vilsack said in Al.com, "We've been very aggressive in this." Then he added, "This is more than farmers' markets. It's local schools, restaurants ... it is providing new economic opportunities for young people, women and returning veterans."
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) sees the local and regional movements more than just getting and supplying good, fresh food, but as a way to "broaden economic opportunities in rural areas. Federal investment "isn't just a loan or grant to open a farmer's market. It's about extending the growing season, microloans to producers, technical assistance," Vilsack said.
As for the criticism that the funding to federal handouts. Vilsack describes the funding as "an economy driver," then he said, "The programs develop new markets and boost employment from construction trades to retail."
He also added that the Government has provided federal assistance for the beneficiaries to get into the local food movement. By providing more than 6,000 market places for the farmers where they can use a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
One of the projects of Alabama this year is "Made in Macon" this is a way to improve the Macon Country Food Pantry into a regional food hub.
Alabama has been joined by various market like Pepper Place in Birmingham and the Greene Street Market in Huntsville, which draw more success for the movement.
Base in USDA figures, through the local food movement, it has helped with the annual business of the United States by reaching for nearly $12 billion. More than 8,000 farmer market in the United States is benefiting in the movement.
