We have certainly had our share of black swan events in the past few years. Floods, Derechos, droughts, a pandemic, animal disease outbreaks, and now a war that is affecting a large percentage of agricultural exports globally. While each one of these events is a major problem on its own, having multiple happen at one time is almost catastrophic. The supply chain has been stretched thin, and even broken at times in the past months.
We are learning some very hard lessons during these times. In fact, it would be a lost opportunity if we did not learn something about what we have done well and what needs improvement. It is in this spirit that United States Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking steps to implement opportunities which will help farmers be successful in these times and build a more resilient supply chain.
Secretary Vilsack said one thing is clear and that is we cannot go back to the way things were. He talks about his vision for the future of the American food system.
Vilsack said that to give small and medium producers a better chance to compete, local and regional food systems need to be enhanced. To do this, USDA is investing $400 million into helping establish a national network of food business centers, staffed with people who can help producers navigate all the hurdles that stand between them and the resources they need to be able to be competitive in a tough marketplace.
The Secretary also added that a strong workforce is the key to attaining these goals, but it is also severely lacking to advance these initiatives. He also called for an overhaul of the guest worker programs and immigration laws to bring more workers to the needed jobs.
Vilsack says that there have already been significant investments in the food system. However, more new and sustained funding needs to happen.
The Secretary made this announcement Wednesday at Georgetown University.
