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Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan on Oct. 1 will host a Facebook chat about the 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' initiative to discuss the importance of better connecting producers with consumers to create economic opportunities throughout the country.

Merrigan will highlight how rural communities will benefit by rebuilding local and regional food systems. To join the 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food" chat, log-on Thursday, Oct. 1 from 3:45 to 4:15 p.m. EDT. (12:45 pm to 1:15 pm Pacific). Details are available at www.usda.gov/live and people can submit a question in advance of the chat or watch the conversation on the USDA website.

Just last week, USDA launched a new website, at www.usda.gov/knowyourfarmer, which features social media tools to help focus the public conversation about farming and food, while engaging American agriculture and linking producers to customers. The 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' website directs consumers and producers to new media resources, such as information on the USDA blog, Facebook discussions, Twitter and YouTube videos. The public will be able to send their stories, ideas or videos to the 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' team at knowyourfarmer@usda.gov. The public can become a fan of USDA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USDA.