On July 17, USDA is proudly unveiling the 2.0 version of the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass, a digital guide to local food systems and USDA programs that support them. 

You are invited to participate in an exciting launch event on Tuesday, July 17 at 3 pm ET.  The USDA and the White House will host a Google+ Hangout with USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan, White House Director of Office of Public Engagement Jon Carson and six women leaders – producers, small business owners, and others – to explore local foods through the voices of women.  This virtual event can be viewed onhttp://www.whitehouse.gov/live or on the White House Google+ Home page live at 3pm ET.  Invite your lists, watch the event and participate by sending Twitter questions ahead of time via #WHHangout or posting them on the White House Google + page during the event.

What is the Compass? The KYF Compass showcases inspiring local food success stories from around the country and features an interactive map of USDA investments in local and regional food.  In the 2.0 version of the map (live on July 17!), you can search projects by keyword or zip code radius; it’s easier to use and has thousands of new data points, including USDA-funded local food projects in all 50 states, farmers markets, food hubs, wholesale markets, meat processing facilities, and other critical infrastructure.

Please join us on Tuesday, July 17^th at 3pm ET on http://www.whitehouse.gov/live or on the White House Google+ Home page! Send in questions ahead of time at #WHHangout.