Seasons Greetings,

In a recent address to the Heinz Foundation in Pittsburgh, entitled the Geography of Innovation, Jonathan Sallet of the Economic Development Agency, US Dept. of Commerce and member of the Obama Administration's transition team, cites the work we're doing together under USDA SCRI Regional Partnerships for Innovation and Fund for Our Economic Future grants as the agricultural example of economic development around innovation clusters. 

At about 22 minutes into the presentation, Mr. Sallet takes over and describes innovation clusters as essential to the economic development strategy of the Obama administration.  Networks are cited as one of the key requirements for clusters, and social networking is central to our work in building local economies around food systems under the two grants.  At about 33 minutes into the presentation Mr. Sallet describes the role of various agencies in cluster development, the support of USDA and Secretary Vilsack, and then mentions our work with building clusters around local food systems as the USDA supported example. 

Your work and collaboration on this site deserves national recognition, it is an excellent example of the kind of economic development that will build wealth in communities, improve health through access to good food, and open opportunities that will keep farms and farmers on the landscape.

To view the presentation, click on "archived videos" at upper right, then on 11/19/09, then go have a cup of coffee (or beverage of choice) while the video takes a while to load, then you can either watch it all or skip to minute 22.

Best wishes for the holidays, and keep up the good work!

Casey

Casey Hoy
Professor and Kellogg Endowed Chair in Agricultural Ecosystems Management
The Ohio State University
Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center
Ohio State University Extension