4-yr-old Rosie Will Have a Garden Next Spring via Property ManagementHeather Callaghan It was later stated that the reason for removal was for some relandscaping. The two live in a South Dakota housing unit subsidized by the USDAs Rural Development Agency. The property manager fell back on RDA policy saying that the rules were that no structures be allowed in the yards. The USDA since came out to say that they had no such policy either for or against the family growing food behind their dwelling. However, they did not intervene on Rosie and Marys behalf and they are the ones paying for people to live there. The USDAs commentary and actions stopped there. I just spoke with the property management company handling the 8-unit rental property where Rosie and Mary live and the property owner has agreed to build a new raised bed vegetable garden for them and the other tenants next spring. Its a small victory, but hopefully one that will motivate local and federal decision-makers to make sure that others living in subsidized housing can enjoy the benefits of home-grown foods too. Many thanks for all your help and support! Much effort with KGIs cause and blogs, along with all those who emailed brought at least something for Rosie and her mom in this case. A petition garnering 10,000 signatures was retired. What isnt readily clear is what will happen to this years garden Rosie has tended since May. Also from KGI: Despite our best efforts, though, the future of Rosies garden remains very uncertain. Since writing to you last, the garden (consisting mostly of tender greens) has already been removed from its very close and convenient location to one where its not likely to thrive: to a large concrete slab out in direct sun and out of easy watering range (see the attached photo). The garden was moved in order to carry out landscaping work around the building with no plan to move it back. USDA Rural Development is committed to the future of rural communities. Our role is to increase rural residents economic opportunities and improve their quality of life. Rural Development forges partnerships with rural communities, funding projects that bring housing, community facilities, utilities and other services. They dont seem to have much interest seeing to that. There was a lot of convenient buck passing. It took pressure on property management to finally do something for the family. He took it a step further by offering a place to garden for all the residents next spring. Do you wonder why the situation arose in the first place and why another solution couldnt be found before sparking a large Internet campaign with a petition and emails? Tiresome nonsense. Also See: Heather Callaghan is a natural health blogger and food freedom activist. You can see her work atNaturalBlaze.com and selfnewsPost.com. Like at Facebook. Read Other Articles by Heather Callaghan 