Ag Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan Coming to South Dakota With Money

Two days before sequestration cuts will take place,  the Federal Deputy Secretary of Agriculture will be in South Dakota Feb. 27 and 28th, bringing federal money. Ironically, a day later, many federal dollars to our state will disappear. Here is the announcement of the visit with locations and time frames:

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan to Travel to South Dakota, Announce New USDA Grants to Combat Hunger, Discuss Obama Administration Business Development efforts, and Meet with Tribal Leaders

WASHINGTON, February 25, 2013 - On Wednesday and Thursday, February 27 and 28, Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan will travel to South Dakota to announce substantial research grants to combat U.S. and global hunger, promote rural business development and highlight the economic importance of local and regional food systems. She will also highlight the Obama Administration's commitment to promoting business development in Indian Country.

On Wednesday, Merrigan will hold a press conference to announce the award of new USDA grants to ensure greater food security in the United States and around the world.

Merrigan will also bring USDA’s college tour to South Dakota State University and discuss USDA’s ‘Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food’ initiative and efforts to create new opportunities for farmers, ranchers, and communities by building local and regional food systems. An interactive view of USDA programs that support local and regional foods is available at the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass.

On Thursday, Merrigan will visit the Lakota Foods facility, the first and only Native American owned and operated business producing, processing, packaging, and marketing popcorn celebrating its Native American origin.

She will also discuss USDA's efforts to create new, sustainable employment opportunities in rural South Dakota during a press availability with Tribal Leaders on Thursday.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013 • 11:30 a.m. CST

WHAT:          Deputy Secretary Merrigan will hold a press conference to announce the award of $75 million in USDA grants for research, education and extension activities to ensure greater food security in the United States.

WHERE:        Student Union Campanile Room: 169 A

South Dakota State University
1023 Student Center Lane
Brookings, SD 57007

1 p.m. CST

WHAT:          Deputy Secretary Merrigan will give her College Tour presentation at South Dakota State University.

WHERE:        Student Union, Room 101B, Volstorff Ballroom

South Dakota State University
1023 Student Center Lane
Brookings, SD 57007

Thursday, February 28, 2013

12:30 p.m. CST

WHAT:           Deputy Secretary Merrigan will tour the Lakota Foods facility, the first and only Native American owned and operated business producing, processing, packaging, and marketing popcorn celebrating its Native American origin.

WHERE:        200 Crazy Horse Ave.

Lower Brule, SD

1:10 p.m. CST

WHAT:           Deputy Secretary Merrigan will hold a press availability with tribal leaders to reaffirm the Obama Administration’s commitment to Indian Country and highlight USDA efforts to promote business development and job creation in rural South Dakota.

WHERE:        187 Oyate Cir.,

Lower Brule, SD

Contact information: South Dakota State University , South Dakota State University, Box 2201, Brookings, SD 57007