State of Indiana sent this bulletin at 07/31/2019 02:56 PM EDT
This month, a total of $300,000 in state funding was distributed to 11 Indiana food banks to provide assistance and services to Hoosiers in need. The funding was provided by the Indiana Legislature, as part of the 2019 biennial budget, and the distribution amounts were determined using the Emergency Food Assistance Program fair share percentage, which captures poverty and unemployment levels in each county.
Last year, Indiana’s regional food banks distributed nearly 78 million pounds of food and other items to all 92 counties. This year’s funding could help them purchase fresh produce and shelf stable products.
Relationships are critical in today’s globally dynamic marketplace, especially when it comes to trade and growing the agriculture sector. This month, Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and ISDA Director Bruce Kettler led two dozen delegates on a four-day agricultural trade mission to Mexico. The purpose of the trip was to develop economic partnerships and strengthen agricultural ties with Indiana’s second largest export market.
Mexico City – Days 1 and 2: In Mexico City, the Lt. Governor and members of the delegation met with representatives within the Foreign Affairs, Economy, and Tourism ministries. There, they discussed opportunities to enhance cooperation in the areas of agriculture, economic development and tourism. The Lt. Governor also met with the Mexican Undersecretary of North America Jesús Seade, who spoke about the importance of the Indiana-Mexico trade relationship, valued at just under $10 billion.
A business networking breakfast and Friends of Indiana reception also took place in Mexico City, which brought Mexican CEOs, stakeholders and government officials, who have existing or prospective ties with the state, together with the delegation. The group also toured several locations including the Polanco market area, Tate & Lyle and the Santa Clara processing facility.
State of Hidalgo – Day 3: On the third day of the trade mission, the delegation visited Mexico’s State of Hidalgo, which is located in the center of the country. One of the highlights of their visit was the signing of a letter of intent between Lt. Governor Crouch and Hidalgo’s Secretary of Interior Simón Vargas Aguilar. The agreement, on behalf of the two states, calls for enhanced cooperation in areas like agriculture, education, and science and technology. Included in the letter were several action items, for example, organizing industry events, providing opportunities to collaborate with experts and sharing best practices.
Mexico City – Day 4: Ending strong, the delegation concluded its time in Mexico by meeting with the country’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development Dr. Victor Villalobos. During the meeting, Lt. Governor Crouch and Secretary Villalobos discussed opportunities to promote trade and enhance cooperation in the areas of food production, economic development, education and technology. They also talked about the importance of sustainability, as well as the need to encourage more innovation on the farm. Director Kettler, who was part of the conversation, found it to be very productive and hopes it will lead to new opportunities for Indiana farmers.
The Indiana Land Resources Council and Purdue Extension are proud to announce the development of a new document series designed to assist local governments on current and emerging land use issues. Titled Community Planning for Agriculture and Natural Resources, the series will be unveiled at a one day community planning workshop, which will include an overview of the series, guest speakers, breakout sessions and panel discussions.
Join us for the Indiana Land Use Summit on Wednesday, August 28, 2019, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds.
The Indiana State Fair, coined the "greatest 17 days of summer,” is just around the corner. From fair food to family activities to free nightly concerts, get ready to experience Indiana agriculture like never before!
While the fairgrounds will be chock-full of things to do Aug. 2-18, here are four locations where you can find ISDA.
Agriculture/Horticulture Building: The Agriculture/Horticulture building is an excellent showcase of agriculture and includes everything from the Indiana Grown Marketplace and Culinary Stage to cheese sculptures and vegetable displays. In the marketplace, fairgoers will be able to purchase a variety of locally grown, raised and produced items from all across the state. Some of these products will be available at sampling stations, located just outside the store. Then, watch a cooking demonstration featuring Indiana Grown products daily on the Indiana Grown Culinary Stage. Once you’ve seen everything, be sure to check out the brand new State Fair Wine Garden presented by Indiana Grown. This family-friendly attraction is located just outside of the Agriculture/Horticulture building. Those 21 and over will be able to sample and enjoy some of Indiana’s best wines.
Normandy Barn: Experience Indiana agriculture in the historic Normandy Barn, located on the north side of the fairgrounds. Along with beautiful architecture, this barn features several interactive displays, including a live bee exhibit, an aquaculture tank and an Augmented Reality Sandbox, which is a hands on representation of a topography map. This area of the fairgrounds also boasts a greenhouse and a variety of other educational activities.
Indiana FFA Pavilion: Every year during state fair, nearly 200,000 fairgoers stop by the FFA Pavilion – and for good reason. The 25,000 sq. ft. facility is a staple of the fairgrounds, family-focused, and features everything from FFA memorabilia and a putt-putt course to a children’s barnyard and a Country Market. New to this year, the FFA members added a giant coloring wall and an interactive farm simulator. They’ve also added a newly-constructed indoor vertical farming display and pollinator habitat, located on the west side of the building. Once you’ve experienced everything the FFA Pavilion has to offer, grab some ice cream from the Country Market and relax on the patio.
Pathway to Water Quality: Pathway to Water Quality is a realistic watershed demonstration site that shows how conservation at home or on the farm can improve soil health and water quality. One favorite area of this exhibit is the well located along the path. So, bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up for free in the Pathway well. This exhibit is located near the speed barns and is managed by the Indiana Conservation Partnership, in conjunction with ISDA.
For an interactive map of the fairgrounds, please click here, or visit www.IndianaStateFair.org for a full list of events, discount days and additional information.
