Press Release
☷USDA Renews People s Garden Initiative
U.S. Department of Agriculture ( By Press Release office)
May 03,2022
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WASHINGTON , May 3 , 2022 – Today , Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack planted a tree to announce the reopening of the U . S . Department of Agriculture’s ( USDA ) People’s Garden Initiative . People’s Gardens across the country will grow fresh , healthy food and support resilient , local food systems; teach people how to garden using conservation practices; nurture habitat for pollinators and wildlife and create greenspace for neighbors . The garden at USDA headquarters in Washington , D . C . will be joined by 17 flagship gardens located in urban communities nationwide . “The simple act of planting a garden can have big impacts – from building a more diversified and resilient local food system to empowering communities to come together around healthy food access , climate change , and equity , ” said Secretary Vilsack , who unveiled the upgraded garden flanking the National Mall . “We’re committed to our priorities , and we are leading by example . ”About the GardensThe Washington , D . C . People’s Garden is growing plants in a variety of ways , from small containers to wheelchair accessible raised beds . Active beehives are on the rooftop of the USDA Whitten Building . In early spring , cool weather crops like peas , kale , collards , radishes , cilantro , parsley , carrots , lettuces , beets , chard and spinach are planted , followed by warm weather crops like beans , tomatoes , peppers , eggplant , squash , and pumpkins in late spring and early summer . Conservation practices like cover crops and pollinator plantings are being used to conserve natural resources . The garden has new signage that provides information on local and regional food systems , urban gardening , pollinators , and food waste reduction and composting , among other topics . The People’s Garden is adjacent and visible from where the USDA Farmer’s Market is set up . The USDA Farmer’s Market is open on Fridays from May to October . Meanwhile , USDA has plans to launch flagship gardens in urban communities . Those cities include:Albuquerque , N . M . Atlanta , Ga . Chicago , Ill . Cleveland , OhioDallas , TexasDetroit , Mich . Grand Rapids , Mich . Los Angeles , Calif . Minneapolis , Minn . New Orleans , La . New York , N . Y . Oakland , Calif . Philadelphia , Pa . Phoenix , Ariz . Portland , Ore . Richmond , Va . St . Louis , Mo . USDA plans to expand the initiative to other communities later this year . School gardens , community gardens , urban farms , and small - scale agriculture projects in rural and urban areas can be recognized as a “People’s Garden” if they:Benefit the community by providing food , green space , wildlife habitat , education space . Are a collaborative effort . This can include groups working together with USDA agencies , food banks , Girl Scouts , Master Gardeners , conservation districts , etc . Incorporate conservation management practices , such as using native plant species , rain barrels , integrated pest management , xeriscaping . Educate the public about sustainable gardening practices and the importance of local , diverse , and resilient food systems providing healthy food for the community . To watch these gardens grow , visit our People’s Garden Webpage or follow the hashtag #PeoplesGarden on USDA’s social media channels . More InformationUSDA originally launched the People’s Garden Initiative in 2009 . It’s named for the “People’s Department , ” former President Abraham Lincoln’s nickname for USDA , which was established during his presidency in 1862 . USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways . Under the Biden - Harris Administration , USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production , fairer markets for all producers , ensuring access to safe , healthy and nutritious food in all communities , building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices , making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America , and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America . To learn more , visit usda . gov . #USDA is an equal opportunity provider , employer , and lender .
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