The Secretary for the Department of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, visited Lancaster County Wednesday.
Vilsack was highlighting efforts to expand agricultural exports. The agriculture secretary highlighted achievements of the local business, Nuts About Granola.
The mother-daughter business sells breakfast and snack items not only locally, but internationally online. Vilsack is pushing to pass legislation that would help small businesses market their products to consumers outside the United States.
"Congress has not yet completed its work on the farm bill,” Vilsack explained. “Much of what I can do is based off programs that are authorized under the farm bill. When it lapsed on September 30 because Congress and the House of Representatives failed to act, it puts in a situation where we are somewhat restricted in the help that we can provide."
The latest export forecast shows that U.S. farm exports are at their second highest level ever in 2012.
Vilsack was highlighting efforts to expand agricultural exports. The agriculture secretary highlighted achievements of the local business, Nuts About Granola.
The mother-daughter business sells breakfast and snack items not only locally, but internationally online. Vilsack is pushing to pass legislation that would help small businesses market their products to consumers outside the United States.
"Congress has not yet completed its work on the farm bill,” Vilsack explained. “Much of what I can do is based off programs that are authorized under the farm bill. When it lapsed on September 30 because Congress and the House of Representatives failed to act, it puts in a situation where we are somewhat restricted in the help that we can provide."
The latest export forecast shows that U.S. farm exports are at their second highest level ever in 2012.