Two of the most interesting developments of late are the appointment of Kathleen Merrigan as the #2 at the USDA, and the announcement that Obama wants to end direct subsidies to the nations largest farms. Merrigan has a long history of supporting sustainable agriculture practices and was one of Food Democracy Now's choices for just this position. And the big farms just plain don't need the subsidies.

Closer to home, the Obamas have been making changes at the white house as well. They managed to bring their personal chef, Sam Kass, with them from Chicago without ruffling too many feathers inside the White House kitchen. Kass is well versed in local, seasonal and healthy eating. Then there is talk that a White House garden will be ploughed and planted by sometime in the spring.

The latest news to hit the gossip circuit is that the Obama's are turning the White House organic. In his Washington Whispers column in the U.S. News and World Report, Paul Bedard serves up some quotes from White House food and beverage manager Daniel Shanks.

Excerpt: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/03/obamas-turn-white-house-org...