STEVENS POINT – Citizens, business leaders, food producers, farmers, elected officials and economic development representatives are meeting with Wisconsin’s USDA leadership at a public forum April 23, 2014 at the University of Wisconsin-Marinette to discuss the needs and opportunities for growth in rural communities in northeast Wisconsin.

The One USDA event is intended to provide an open forum for discussion, allow for community members to gather information, make suggestions, and share ideas. The focus will be a practical agenda for strengthening economic opportunities, assessment of resources, and strategies for effective public/private partnerships that will create business, jobs, and industry.

The USDA was created over 150 years ago by President Lincoln as the "people's department". Its scope includes agriculture, forestry, animal and plant health, food protection, risk management, rural infrastructure, telecommunications, rural business development, rural housing, and land and water conservation.

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack has directed agencies within the department to reduce isolation and work more collaboratively to support rural communities in their efforts to define their future in today's world economy.

The "One USDA" forum initiative in Wisconsin is supported by the leadership of all Wisconsin USDA agency leaders and includes other federal agencies with parallel missions. "These forums are meant to support public initiative, as well as gather feedback and insight from citizens and local leaders to improve the Department's capacity and service delivery." said Brad Pfaff, Executive Director of the Farm Services Agency.

The April 23rd forum will be the third regional forum sponsored by Wisconsin USDA since June of last year. Other regional forums are planned across Wisconsin.

USDA agencies to participate in this event are:

· Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

· Farm Service Agency

· Forest Service

· Natural Resources Conservation Service

· Risk Management Agency

· Rural Development

Special Partner:

· Small Business Administration

President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way - strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA's investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values. President Obama and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack are committed to a smarter use of federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities.

Location: UW-Marinette campus in room M117, 750 W. Bayshore Street, Marinette, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

Agenda:

· Overview of Federal Agency Missions

· How agencies are collaborating and contributing to the economic development and growth of the region

· Open discussion, public input, questions and answers

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).