Earlier this month, volunteers from USDA Rural Development (RD) and the Farm Service Agency (FSA) joined hands with representatives from the Six Nation Agricultural Society’s Indian Village to assist in preparations for the grounds use during the 2013 New York State Fair in Syracuse. The afternoon’s activities included painting, planting, raking and a tour of the grounds.
Cultural Transformation is a USDA initiative that strives to improve community relations, outreach opportunities, and encourage employees to achieve high standards. The initiative highlights how USDA is the People’s Department -- and continues its commitment to improving customer service while creating a diverse, collaborative and highly effective workforce throughout the USDA’s many mission areas.
The Village is operated by the Six Nations Agricultural Society in cooperation with the State Department of Agriculture and Markets, Division of State Fair, State Department of Education and Social Welfare and Conservation. It is visited each year by many of the nearly 1 million fairgoers and features arts, education and entertainment including traditional dance, wood crafting and bead working.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for our staff to partner with representatives of the Iroquois Nation and work collaboratively to improve not only the landscape here at the Six Nation’s Indian Village, but also to build on our friendship,” said Lee Telega, USDA Rural Development State Director. “We look forward to visiting during the fair and returning for next year’s Cultural Transformation Day”.
For more information on USDA Rural Development programs, available funding and eligibility criteria visit us online at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/NYHome.html
