U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Ms. Susan M. Tolson officially inaugurated the 2011 U.S. Embassy Paris vegetable garden on June 22.  In presence of Deputy Mayor of Paris in charge of Green Parks and Environment Fabienne Giboudeaux and Dupont – Pioneer President Martin Virot whose company supported the work of students on the garden, Ms. Tolson stressed how this garden represents the good nutrition initiatives promoted by First Lady Michele Obama.  She also highlighted the recent USDA MyPlate initiative to remind Americans to eat more healthful foods.

Ms.  Tolson thanked the students and their professors from the Ecole Du Breuil, the horticultural High School of the City of Paris, for designing and planting the 2011 garden.

Residence's Garden (DOS photo P. Maulavé)

Together With Secretary Vilsack, she presented certificates of appreciation to the team of high school students from the Ecole du Breuil whose winning design was chosen by Ambassador Rivkin and Ms. Tolson for this season.

Secretary Vilsack toured the garden with the students and FAS Paris local staff, stressing the development in the U.S. and abroad of USDA’s People Gardens, and the importance of good childhood nutrition.