Saturday,  November 24, 2012 • Vol. 13--No. 129 • 3 of 33 •  Other Editions

(Continued from page 2)

Tribal citizens. Additionally, we've partnered with Tribal colleges to enhance community gardening efforts and improve nutrition education.
• In 2010, we reached an historic settlement to provide compensation for Tribal producers who were wronged in the past, and today we are strengthening our outreach for the future. This year, I appointed a Council for Native American Farming and Ranching to advise our efforts in Tribal communities. In addition, USDA entered into new agreements this year with the Bureau of Indian Affairs that will improve access to USDA programs on Tribal lands.
• Going forward, we'll explore even more new opportunities to work with Tribes. Working together we will further Tribal efforts in sustainable agriculture, natural resource conservation, economic development and more. We will always keep a focus on building strong, resilient economies and creating more good jobs in Tribal communities.

• As we celebrate Native American Heritage Month, I encourage all Americans to remember the tremendous contributions of Native Americans to our nation's economy, to its culture, and to its values. At USDA, we'll continue working hard on behalf of all Native Americans - especially those who live, work and raise their families in rural America.

© 2012 Groton Daily Independent • To send correspondence, click here.