Indiana Department of Agriculture celebrates first anniversary
Indiana Department of Agriculture celebrates first anniversary
On April 25 of this year, Indiana Lt. Governor Becky Skillman and Indiana Agriculture Director Andy Miller released the Indiana State Department of Agriculture's first annual report -- it was the one- year anniversary of the department's official creation.
Headquartered in Indianapolis, the department announced in May that this winter it had successfully piloted the Agricultural Economic Development Initiative. Lt. Governor Skillman, who also serves as the secretary of agriculture and rural development for the state, said that the agency was bringing the program to east- central and northeastern Indiana in an effort to enhance local efforts. Its primary goal is to revitalize Indiana's economy.
The three-level program was developed to bring together city planners, farmers, economic development leaders, elected officials and agribusinesses to collaborate on economic development opportunities. These are geared toward helping local leaders determine the more strategic opportunities for growing the agriculture sectors in their communities. The next aspect is for regional groups to look at opportunities that can build county and local strengths. The third level involves organizing a statewide advisory committee connecting the activities of the entire initiative.
Deborah Abbott, assistant director of communications and outreach for the department, said that other initiatives include the agency collaborating with companies that are interested in working or growing their organizations in the state.
"Our future goals also include programs that can help growers find ways to enhance their profit potential," she said. "We want to give them the tools and resources they need to help them reach their potential. The department's diversity strategy for the future includes advocacy in all levels of agriculture. If a farmer needs information on compiling a business plan, for example, or wants to transition his farm into an organic operation and is seeking information on certification, we want to be able to help guide them in the appropriate directions."
Ms. Abbott said that the department plans to take the Agricultural Economic Development Initiative into each county and work with economic development officials, agricultural professionals and communities in general to determine what type of development each area seeks. The initiative could include the development of local farmers markets, networking for such markets and developing community kitchens to help teach proper processing techniques to farmers.
She added that major progress was made in the department's first official year in both ethanol and bio-diesel plant development.
"This is a very important time in agriculture as it is related to expansion in Indiana," said Ms. Abbott. "Agriculture is a cornerstone for growth in our state's future."
(For more on the Indiana produce market, see the June 19 issue of The Produce News.)
Headquartered in Indianapolis, the department announced in May that this winter it had successfully piloted the Agricultural Economic Development Initiative. Lt. Governor Skillman, who also serves as the secretary of agriculture and rural development for the state, said that the agency was bringing the program to east- central and northeastern Indiana in an effort to enhance local efforts. Its primary goal is to revitalize Indiana's economy.
The three-level program was developed to bring together city planners, farmers, economic development leaders, elected officials and agribusinesses to collaborate on economic development opportunities. These are geared toward helping local leaders determine the more strategic opportunities for growing the agriculture sectors in their communities. The next aspect is for regional groups to look at opportunities that can build county and local strengths. The third level involves organizing a statewide advisory committee connecting the activities of the entire initiative.
Deborah Abbott, assistant director of communications and outreach for the department, said that other initiatives include the agency collaborating with companies that are interested in working or growing their organizations in the state.
"Our future goals also include programs that can help growers find ways to enhance their profit potential," she said. "We want to give them the tools and resources they need to help them reach their potential. The department's diversity strategy for the future includes advocacy in all levels of agriculture. If a farmer needs information on compiling a business plan, for example, or wants to transition his farm into an organic operation and is seeking information on certification, we want to be able to help guide them in the appropriate directions."
Ms. Abbott said that the department plans to take the Agricultural Economic Development Initiative into each county and work with economic development officials, agricultural professionals and communities in general to determine what type of development each area seeks. The initiative could include the development of local farmers markets, networking for such markets and developing community kitchens to help teach proper processing techniques to farmers.
She added that major progress was made in the department's first official year in both ethanol and bio-diesel plant development.
"This is a very important time in agriculture as it is related to expansion in Indiana," said Ms. Abbott. "Agriculture is a cornerstone for growth in our state's future."
(For more on the Indiana produce market, see the June 19 issue of The Produce News.)
