U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Tuesday an inaugural Secretary’s Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture. Vilsack appointed 12 members to serve on the committee, tasked with providing input on policy development and barrier identification in urban agriculture. USDA says the committee is part of its efforts to support urban agriculture which plays an important role in providing fresh, healthy food in areas where grocery stores are scarce. Those appointed include agricultural producers, representatives from higher education or extension programs, non-profits, business and economic development, supply chains and financing.

Read more on the new committee here and read more information about its members here.