Earlier this week we launched the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass, a digital narrative with stories, pictures and video about USDA’s support for local and regional food systems, and interactive map with datasets displaying the various ways and places where the initiative has made an impact.
We didn't want to limit the launch to those within the Beltway, so we opted for a virtual launch via live web-stream and took questions through Twitter. The response was overwhelming. It was great to see so many individuals from across the nation share our content, ask questions and make comments on the Compass and KYF effort.
To keep the conversation going, we'll come together again this Monday, March 5 at 2:30 pm ET to have a broader virtual conversation about the KYF initiative and Compass. Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan will lead the conversation with partners and others interested in local and regional foods, and we'll also watch tweets with #KYF2 and answer questions from virtual participants. The virtual conversation will be streamed live at www.whitehouse.gov/live.
In addition to some of the questions we weren't able to answer on our launch webinar, we want to talk about the impact you're seeing with local foods in your community today, and how the Compass can inspire and inform your work and community tomorrow.
As you explore the Compass and use the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food map – go ahead and post your questions or observations to Twitter with hashtag #KYF2, or on our blog.