USDA cuts affect Woodsboro farmer's school produce contract

A farmer in Woodsboro, Maryland, has lost her contract to supply fresh produce to local schools due to cuts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Emma Jagoz, who runs Moon Valley Farm, has been providing food to 12 school districts, including Baltimore City, for the past five years. Last week, she learned that the USDA canceled $1 billion in funding for food programs that support locally grown food. This decision ended the Local Food for Schools program, which has been crucial for Jagoz's business. She expressed her disappointment, saying, "I was deeply disappointed and heartbroken." The program not only helped Jagoz expand her farm’s operations but ensured stable year-round employment for her workers. With the contract ending on May 6, Jagoz is now looking for new ways to sell her produce. She invested in equipment and staffing based on the program's support and is worried about what this cut means for her future. Over 60 farmers are also affected by the program's cancellation. Julie Fletcher, from the Maryland State Department of Education, confirmed that the USDA decided the program no longer aligned with its goals, but the long-term future of the initiative is unclear. Local school districts like Carroll and Harford Counties will still source produce but may not rely on Maryland farms as much without the program. Jagoz is currently reaching out to local representatives and advocating for the importance of "farm-to-school" programs. While some officials argue that funding cuts might impact farmers' abilities to provide fresh food, others, like Representative Andy Harris, say the program was a temporary measure from the pandemic, and schools still have options to purchase local produce. The USDA stated that it will prioritize proven, long-term solutions moving forward.