WASHINGTON, Sept. 15, 2009 – Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan today announced that 28 organizations in 21 states have been selected to receive $4.8 million in grants to spur economic development and create jobs in rural communities. This announcement comes as part of the ‘Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food’ initiative, a USDA-wide collaboration that will connect people more closely with the farmers who supply their food and increase the production, marketing and consumption of fresh, nutritious food that is grown locally in a sustainable manner. MORE >>