This post was previously published by Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE)  on November 20, 2012 and has been reposted with permission.

Did you know that the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Labor, EPA and many other federal agencies have resources to support local food systems?  That’s why USDA has just expanded our Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass!

The Compass is a narrative and searchable map of projects that have received federal support for local food work.  Now, the Compass includes data and resources from other federal agencies.  Learn about resources from USDA and beyond, and see how others are using these tools in their communities.  Check out the updated map and other new info here: http://www.usda.gov/kyfcompass.

As you know, demand for local and regional foods is strong and getting stronger.  In 2009, USDA developed the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative (KYF2) to support producers, businesses and communities that are building local food systems and to help consumers learn more about where their food comes from.

In February, USDA introduced the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass – an easy-to-use guide and map to walk you through USDA programs that support local and regional food systems.  The Compass has been getting around, but here’s how you can help distribute it even more widely:

• Tell your friends, colleagues and membership about the KYF Compass and the new federal resources showcased on the map.
• Do you have a newsletter, email list or social media account where you could spread the word?  For example, you could tweet about the Compass and local food systems using #kyf2.
• Sign up to receive KYF2-related blogs by signing up for the RSS feed (enter your email address in the box on the right).
• Explore the Compass and tell USDA how you’re using it.  Did you know that all of the data on the map is downloadable? That you can search all of the projects by keyword, or explore a geographic radius around your community?  Let USDA know what you think of the tool and how you’re putting it to use by emailing knowyourfarmer@usda.gov.

The data on the map are not comprehensive – USDA will be adding more data for other federal agencies and USDA 2012 grants and loans in the coming months – but if you’ve received federal support since 2009 for local foods work, there’s a good chance that you are on the map.  This is an opportunity for you to trumpet the accomplishments of your organization, constituency and partners. Can you help us get the word out about these resources?