Day 96 - U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA)

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) strives to "provide leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, and related issues based on sound public policy, the best available science, and efficient management."

They have created a strategic plan to implement its vision of being "recognized as a dynamic organization that is able to efficiently provide the integrated program delivery needed to lead a rapidly evolving food and agriculture system." The plan depends on key activities; such as expanding markets for agricultural products and support international economic development, further developing alternative markets for agricultural products and activities, providing financing needs to help expand job opportunities and improve housing, utilities, and  infrastructure in rural America, enhancing food safety by taking steps to reduce the prevalence of foodborne hazards from farm to table, improving nutrition and health by providing food assistance and nutrition education and promotion, and managing and protecting America's public and private lands working cooperatively with other levels of government and the private sector."

While working to make this plan work, the USDA adheres to the key values put forth by President Bush; guided by the principles of strong ethics, service, teamwork, inclusive decision-making, and fiscal responsibility.

The plan consists of the following 6 goals:

1. Enhance International Competitiveness of American Agriculture
2. Enhance the Competitiveness and Sustainability of Rural and Farm Communities
3. Support Increased Economic Opportunities and Improved Quality of Life in Rural America
4. Enhance Protection and Safety of the Nation's Agriculture and Food Supply
5. Improve the Nations Nutrition and Health
6. Protect and Enhance the Nation's Natural Resource Base and Environment

For more information on the Strategic Plan of the USDA, click HERE.

You can also learn more about the USDA's actions by visiting the USDA's Official Website.

It is important to note that while I have been watching many movies and reading many books/articles that talk about the failure of the USDA to truly protect us and our food/agriculture, they are not all bad. The original goal of the USDA is truly to be in the interest of the health of people and nature. Since there has been much corruption throughout the years in this office, I believe we need to hold the Department accountable to their original mission and goals. I believe that they can really do some good in this world…

Exercise: I've decided to skip out on a week of working out this week. Mostly because I've been super productive doing other things, and I feel bad having my dog be home alone by himself. For everyone who needs an idea, today is an I.M. Swim workout day. Make sure to get some good distance in and make sure to swim every stroke!

Eat: One specific type of vegetable - vegetables greens, which contain a whole slew of leafy greens have lots of benefits for us too. Leafy greens give us the benefits of vitamin A, vitamin K, fiber, folate, and antioxidants like beta-carotene and lutein. So what does the leafy green vegetable category consist of? Produce such as arugula, iceberg, frisée, romaine, endive, radicchio, escarole, Swiss chard, kale, spinach, mache, leafy green and red, mustard greens, and butter lettuce. Remember: the greener the lettuce, the more nutrients, vitamins, and minerals it contains.

Relax: Today I was able to cook up some dinner and sit down to watch Harry Potter 4 with Aaron. This means we are officially half way through watching all the movies together!!