Missouri
Department of Agriculture launches strategic initiatives for agriculture, rural
communities
JEFFERSON
CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Agriculture’s MORE strategic vision has
always lived and breathed agriculture and rural Missouri. Today, the Department
announced 16 individual initiatives that will take the MORE vision and put it
into action. The Department will be targeting workforce development, youth in
agriculture, food insecurity, agriculture business, broadband availability,
emergency response, the Missouri citizen experience and more.
“The
number one priority for me as your Director of Agriculture has been to build up
agriculture and communities to thrive for the next generation,” Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn. “Through
this bigger, bolder approach to rethinking state government, I am confident we
can move the needle further and increase the quality of life for all
Missourians.”
The MORE vision focuses on the symbiotic relationship between
farmers and the communities in which they live. The
Department will continue to carry out its core mission, and these strategic
initiatives of feed MORE, reach MORE, connect MORE and empower MORE will focus
attention on key challenges and opportunities in agriculture.
The
MORE initiatives were built from direct advice collected during the Reach MORE
Tour, where the Department’s leadership team met with more than 2,000 farmers,
ranchers and agriculture leaders from across the state. Through that feedback,
along with input from employees throughout the Department, 16 initiatives were designed
to be centrally focused on agriculture and rural communities.
“As a farmer and policy maker, I’m happy to see
the Missouri Department of Agriculture taking on such a critical role to
support our rural communities,” said Senator
Brian Munzlinger, chairman of the Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor
Resources committee. “I look forward to seeing the finalization of these very
important initiatives to help agriculture, Missouri’s number one industry.”
"We appreciate the
leadership shown by the Departments of Agriculture and Economic Development to
bring people together to find solutions to the broadband challenges facing
rural Missouri," said Barry Hart,
executive vice president/CEO of the Association of Missouri Electric
Cooperatives. "It will take a united effort among many partners, but it is
time to make sure our rural communities and those they serve aren't left
behind."
“It’s great to see the Missouri Department of
Agriculture stepping up to cut regulations, build new partnerships and do even more
to promote agriculture,” said farmer and small business owner Bill McLaren of Franklin County. “I
believe people genuinely trust farmers, so I’m especially excited about the new
initiatives to connect consumers, and those who influence food decisions, to
farmers like me.”
“We
have long believed that the answer to Missouri’s hunger problem can largely be
found right here at home,” said Scott
Baker, state director of Feeding Missouri. “Our producers feed the world.
There’s no reason we can’t feed our neighbors. The thoughtful approach taken by
Missouri’s Department of Agriculture goes a long way in fulfilling that vision
in a meaningful way. We are thrilled to see the Department place such a high
importance on combating hunger in our state.”
To learn about MORE and see the full list initiatives,
please visit Agriculture.Mo.Gov/more. Visit strategicchange.mo.gov to see all
plans prepared by Missouri’s executive agencies.
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