WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2012–Officials from the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) have signed two memorandums of understanding (MOU) designed to foster improved access to USDA and BIA programs by tribes and tribal members. The memorandums apply to programs administered by the Farm Service Agency, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Rural Development at USDA, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs at the Department of the Interior (DOI). The MOUs will further improve the important government-to-government relationships and also the services offered between USDA, BIA and the tribal governments and the communities they serve.

"This agreement between USDA and the Bureau of Indian Affairs will help us increase efficiency, reduce redundancy and improve communications and services between our agencies and the tribes," said Under Secretary for Rural Development Dallas Tonsager. "These improvements will help to spur economic development, strengthen the communities and improve the lives of the people of Indian country."

"We look forward to working closely with USDA to serve Indian Country. American Indian farmers are a vital part of Tribal economies and the nation's agricultural industry. Agriculture is the backbone of the nation," BIA Director Mike Black said. "With these MOUs in place, we will be able to work with USDA and its programs as partners in helping American Indian farmers maintain their farms, strengthen the local tribal economies, and bring their produce to market for the benefit of all Americans, and the world."

"This partnership shows the important role tribal lands play in conservation stewardship in America," NRCS Chief Dave White said. "Landowners across the U.S., including those on tribal lands, contribute to cleaner water and air, healthier soil and better homes for wildlife. This memorandum is one effort of many in which NRCS, BIA and Indian landowners and land users can join together to nurture a better landscape."

"The Farm Service Agency is eager to implement this agreement," said FSA Administrator Juan M. Garcia. "We respect and honor the centuries of stewardship that the Indian tribes participating in our conservation and farm programs have shown for the land we all share. We are pleased to solidify our partnership with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Natural Resources Conservation Service to conserve the soil, care for our water and air, and help the tribe's maximize their agricultural production."

The MOUs set up a framework for consultation, training, coordination, and the provision of technical assistance which will increase the amount of Indian land enrolled under USDA conservation and farm loan programs and improve service delivery on those lands. Farming and animal management, grazing, ranching and related food and agricultural operations will be supported through improved interdepartmental coordination. The MOUs, which are in place for five years, also support establishment of Native rural businesses, renewable energy development, and job creation. Additionally, the BIA will work with Rural Development to increase homeownership, home repair, and rehabilitation opportunities, and improve energy efficiency of homes on Indian lands through improved coordination of program delivery. Finally, the MOUs will complement the USDA's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) work with BIA to implement and administer the Substantially Underserved Trust Areas (SUTA) provision of the 2008 Farm Bill to increase affordability and availability of RUS-supported infrastructure on Indian lands.

The MOUs also help further the objectives of the Keepseagle settlement agreement, which resolved a lawsuit regarding past discrimination by USDA against Native American farmers and ranchers concerning its farm loan program.

Since taking office, President Obama's Administration has taken historic steps to improve the lives of rural Americans, put people back to work and build thriving economies in rural communities. From proposing the American Jobs Act to establishing the first-ever White House Rural Council the President is committed to a smarter use of existing Federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities. The Rural Council is working to break down silos of information and to find areas for better collaboration and improved flexibility in administering government programs and to work closer with local tribal and non-tribal governments, non-profits and private companies to leverage federal support to enhance the services offered to rural beneficiaries. The MOUs are also an important step in implementing the administration's Administrative Flexibility Initiative in Indian Country, that has as its goal to provide greater efficiency and more effective program delivery to Indian Country across the federal government.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).

Partnerships Reflect Joint Commitment to Boosting Manufacturing, Biotechnology, Education and Agriculture

RECIFE, BRAZIL - September 26, 2012. Continuing his economic trade mission in Brazil, Governor Pat Quinn today visited Recife where he announced major steps to build upon Illinois' role as a leading competitor in the global marketplace. While in Recife, the Governor administered several economic development and education agreements that will help pave the way for continued trade and innovation between Illinois and Brazil.

"I am committed to ensuring that Illinois is a top competitor in today's global marketplace," Governor Quinn said. "The agreements and programs our two regions are announcing today build upon our effort to expand our economies, while also boosting innovation and growing technologies."

The agreements signed today include a sister river agreement between the state of Illinois and Pernambuco, Brazil. Under the agreement, the regions will work together to share policies and innovative ideas to maintain and conserve the Illinois and Capibaribe Rivers, as well as the promotion of economic development for these two vital waterways through sustainable commercial and navigational uses and eco-friendly tourism and recreation activities.

Earlier this week during the trade mission, the Illinois Manufacturers' Association (IMA) and the Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo, Brazil (FIESP) signed an agreement to promote trade and investment between Illinois and Brazilian manufacturing companies. This agreement will pave the way for Illinois companies to gain improved access to FIESP member companies and ease their entry into the Brazilian market.  In particular, Governor Quinn's focus on the Doing Business with Illinois program and the IMA-FIESP agreement will help Illinois companies maximize business opportunities resulting from the billions of dollars Brazil's government plans to invest in improving its transportation infrastructure across the country.

On Monday, the Governor also supervised a separate agreement between BIO- RIO, Brazil's leading biotechnology association, and the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition, a public-private organization that cultivates and attracts research and technology-based investment in the state.  Among other key activities covered in the agreement, BIO-RIO, which recently opened a Chicago office,  will coordinate Brazil's pavilion and have a presence at the April 2013 BIO International Convention in Chicago.  The BIO Convention is the largest gathering of biotech firms in the world.  The agreement creates an important platform for communication and exchange between the organizations and their members to promote collaboration in research, talent and trade and investment opportunities across the life sciences sector.

During the mission, Governor Quinn also promoted Illinois' world class educational institutions and presided over agreements between several educational institutions in Illinois and Brazil that are designed to attract greater numbers of Brazilian students to the State. These agreements promote joint teaching and research opportunities, faculty and student exchanges and other educational opportunities to foster a collaborative relationship between the partner institutions. Partner institutions include :

• The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and University of Campinas, the premier university in São Paulo;
• The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Federal University of Pernambuco, one of Brazil's top universities;
• The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and State University of Pernambuco, a public state university located in Recife;
• The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Brazilian Federal Agency for Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education (CAPES), the federal agency that oversees graduate education in Brazil;
• DePaul University and CAPES;
• The Illinois Institute of Technology and CAPES;
• The Illinois Institute of Technology and Northeast Center for Strategic Technologies, a research unit under the Brazilian government; and
• Kendall College and the University of Anhembi Morumbi, one of three private universities in São Paulo.

At each of the three stops in São Paulo, Brasilia, and Recife, Governor Quinn is holding meetings with key private sector leaders, top government officials and potential trading partners in order to open up more markets to Illinois companies. Among the senior Brazilian officials meeting with Gov. Quinn are Geraldo Alckmin, Governor of the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil's economic engine and most populous state.

Gov. Quinn's schedule also includes meetings with Minister of Education Aloizio Mercadante Oliva; Minister of Transportation Paulo Sergio Passos; Minister of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade Fernando Pimentel; Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Marco Antonio Raupp; US Ambassador to Brazil Thomas A. Shannon, Jr.; and Governor of the Central Bank of Brazil Alexandre Antonio Tombini; as well as other Brazilian government and business leaders.

Before departing on Friday, Governor Quinn and the Illinois trade mission delegation will also meet with more than 60 business leaders from the State of Pernambuco, including Gov. Eduardo Henrique Accioly Campos, as guests of the American Chamber of Commerce in Recife. He will also tour infrastructure projects at the Port of Suape and view Illinois-based Ingredion Inc's facility in Pernambuco, Brazil.

For updates on Governor Quinn's trip, visit www.Illinois.gov or follow him on Twitter at @GovernorQuinn. More information about Illinois trade and business opportunities can be found on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's website at www.illinoisbiz.biz.

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(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today issued the following statement upon learning of the passing of Wall Lake native Andy Williams:

"Andy Williams was an Iowa treasure. Andy's beautiful voice and musical talents were rare gifts, and rather than keep that treasure to himself, he shared it with the world and made it a better place. Andy was a great ambassador for the state of Iowa, and we are all proud to call him a native son. Andy's voice may be silenced, but his notes will forever live on. Chris and I send our thoughts and prayers to his family, friends and fans as we remember this great Iowan."

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Event to raise awareness and support for conservation throughout the state

Des Moines, Iowa - Sept. 26 - Pheasants Forever is pleased to announce Tom Vilsack, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and former Iowa Governor, plans to speak at the organization's Rally for Iowa's Outdoor Legacy event this weekend.  The two-day conservation rally and summit for all residents of the Hawkeye state is slated for September 28 & 29 at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in Des Moines.  The first-time event will bring together Iowans for a common cause: the protection of the state's outdoor resources.

As part of Saturday's conservation summit, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack will address the Rally's attendees. The Secretary is slated to speak at Saturday's luncheon.

In addition to Secretary Vilsack's address, the weekend rally includes several speakers and panelists who are to highlight challenges and opportunities for conservation in Iowa as well as lessons from around the U.S. and other countries. Sessions and panel discussions include, but are not limited to, Private Land Management for Wildlife Diversity & Outdoor Recreation, Natural Resources Management and Economic Development, and Agriculture & Environmentalism - Perspectives from the Field.

"This rally is to remind Iowans that we live in an incredible state, but if we don't take charge of our natural resources and work to protect them, we stand to lose them," says Matt O'Connor, Pheasants Forever Iowa Conservation Director, "If our natural resources disappear, so will our healthy ecosystems and our outdoor heritage. I believe those attending will further appreciate and understand all that Iowa has to offer and what we can do to protect our state."

Renowned outdoor advocates and conservationists Shane Mahoney and Dave Murphy will act as the summit's keynote speakers. Mahoney is the Founder and Executive Director of the Institute for Biodiversity, Ecosystem Science and Sustainability at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.  He is recognized as an international authority on conservation. Murphy is the Executive Director of the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM). CFM is the largest private citizen conservation organization in Missouri. CFM has over 100,000 members and 80 affiliated organizations acting as leaders in conservation of natural resources and protection.

Iowa's Conservation Summit Details

• Weekend tickets include Friday reception, Saturday luncheon, and Iowa's Outdoor Legacy dinner and auction Saturday evening. Tickets are now available and can be purchased here.
• All Pheasants Forever members are invited. Find out more information HERE
• Event sponsors include Iowa Pheasants Forever, Iowa Association of County Conservation Boards, Iowa's Water & Land Legacy, Iowa's Natural Heritage Foundation and others.

Iowa is home to 105 Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever chapters and nearly 20,000 combined PF and QF members. For more information about the rally or to reserve tickets, call Mark Langgin, representative of Iowa's Water and Land Legacy, at (515) 244-3468 or Matt O'Connor at (563) 926-2357 / Email Matt. For all other inquiries, please contact Rehan Nana, Pheasants Forever Public Relations Specialist, at (651) 209-4973 / Email Rehan.

Pheasants Forever, including its quail conservation division, Quail Forever, is the nation's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have more than 130,000 members and 700 local chapters across the United States and Canada. Chapters are empowered to determine how 100 percent of their locally raised conservation funds are spent, the only national conservation organization that operates through this truly grassroots structure.

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