Food Security Here and Abroad & Cranberry Production Down

Food Security Here and Abroad & Cranberry Production Down plus Food Forethought. I’m Greg Martin with today’s Northwest Report.

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack recently paid a visit to a rural North Carolina organization that is doing its part in global food security efforts. Vilsack said programs like “Stop Hunger Now” help send a message to the world about the U.S. efforts in global food safety.

VILSACK: As part of our food security initiative we are not only providing food assistance but also working hard in places like Afghanistan and some of the other troubled areas of the world to provide knowledge and experience so the people can be more self-sufficient when it comes to food.

Cranberry production is anticipated to drop by about 10% this year. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's annual report on cranberries, released Tuesday, estimated a crop of 7.09 million barrels in 2009, compared to 7.87 million in 2008. Declines are expected in Massachusetts and Wisconsin while cranberry production in both Oregon and Washington was expected to increase. Worldwide demand for cranberries has been increasing but the decline is expected as a result of cool, wet weather, which reduced pollination.

Now with today’s Food Forethought, here’s Lacy Gray.

Wickipedia describes a “fair” as a gathering to display or trade produce or other goods, to parade or display animals and to enjoy associated entertainment. That seems to sum it all up in a nutshell except that a fair is all that and so much more. Traditionally fairs were on major trade routes, giving people a chance to share their skills, trade goods, and socialize. As a child going to the local county fair was a big event, and going to the state fair, well that was just awe inspiring.  I have very fond memories of the local fair where I grew up. I received, or was it gave, my first kiss at the top of the Ferris wheel there, and I learned that things aren’t always what they appear, thanks to some highly skilled carnival workers. I also learned a big lesson in compassion and empathy as I watched friends fight back tears at the sale of their prized livestock. Fairs offer the public a chance to learn about their local agriculture and discover for themselves just how colorful and exciting rural life truly is. Hopefully, county and state fairs will be a piece of Americana that will continue to educate, entertain, and excite people for many generations to come.

Thanks Lacy. That’s today’s Northwest Report. I’m Greg Martin on the Northwest Ag Information Network.