EPA to Renew Charter & Adding Some Color plus Food Forethought. I’m Greg Martin with today’s Northwest Report.

Officials at the Environmental Protection Agency say they will renew the charter of its independent agricultural advisory group, the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Committee. This action reinforces EPA’s commitment to a strong partnership with the agriculture community to protect human health and the environment. EPA established the program in February ‘08 as a policy-oriented committee to provide advice, information, and recommendations to the administrator on a broad range of environmental issues of primary importance to agriculture and rural communities.

A feast for the eyes as it applies to a holiday meal means adding a nutritious balance of fruits and vegetables to bring more colors and textures to the plate according to Sarah Burkett of Virginia Cooperative Extension.

BURKETT: When I’m planning a meal whether it’s for a holiday get together or my family the first thing I’m looking at is do I have something from every food group, do I have a variety of textures, flavors, methods of preparation and what’s it going to look like on my plate. And really it should look like a rainbow; I should have a bunch of brightly colored items on my plate because if it’s attractive people are going to eat it.

Now with today’s Food Forethought, here’s Lacy Gray.

Earlier this month the American Agri-Women held their annual convention in Salem, Oregon. Comprised of representatives from affiliated organizations across the fifty states the AAW stands as a strong voice not only for women in agriculture but for all of our nations’ farmers and ranchers. This group of dedicated and determined women has been instrumental in making sure that the “human” voice of ag is heard loud and clear from the steps of their local authorities and state capitols to the halls of Congress in Washington D.C. Over the last thirty five years the AAW has succeeded in bringing much needed and deserved recognition and support for American farmers and ranchers through their lobbying of state and federal law makers. They have also created numerous educational ag programs. You would be hard pressed to find anyone who hasn’t at one time or another in their life had the passionate and nurturing support of a woman who cares deeply for them. Take that same support times the thousands of AAW members and you’ll have an inkling of the powerful force that is American Agri-Women.

Thanks Lacy. That’s today’s Northwest Report. I’m Greg Martin on the Northwest Ag Information Network.