USDA

150 years of USDA still benefitting Rutherford County citizens!  

  On May 15, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) celebrated the 150th anniversary of its founding.  When President Lincoln signed legislation establishing a Department of Agriculture, he declared its purpose should “acquire and to diffuse among the people of the United States useful information on subjects connected with agriculture.”  Indeed, the “People’s Department,” as Lincoln nicknamed it, still greatly benefits every North Carolina and Rutherford County citizen!

    150 years later, those benefits from USDA’s contributions include agricultural research, fuel, economic development, natural resource conservation, and international trade.  We take for granted reasonably priced food.  And because agriculture is still half of what we do in North Carolina, we profit from agricultural exports, which continue to post significant trade surpluses.  Jobs, some right here in Rutherford County, are fostered by the agribusiness community.    

    There’s little debate that American agriculture maybe the most productive sector of the U.S. economy.  Let’s give much of that credit to the Rutherford County farmer and producers on that one!  These agri-business professionals have adopted technology, effectively managed risk, and are the leading stewards of land and water.  

    And what will it take for USDA to continue this 150 year success streak?  Continue becoming a more modern and effective service provider is one way.  And, yes, USDA must always administer taxpayer funds prudently, much as Rutherford County households carefully manage their budgets.   

    On that subject, Secretary Tom Vilsack’s Blueprint for Stronger Service aims at further building an already modern and efficient USDA into an organization that better responds to 21st century agricultural challenges.   Blueprint speaks to how USDA continues to create jobs, support working families, strengthen rural communities, and builds on the success and productivity of America’s farmers.  I suspect Rutherford County farmers and ag producers will be on the front line, meeting the changing needs of North Carolina and America’s agriculture.   

    Join the Rutherford County Farm Service Agency in celebrating USDA’s 150th Anniversary! (Aaron Martin is the State Executive Director of USDA North Carolina Farm Service Agency.)