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Committee to draft letter seeking more Farm Service Agency presence after new state director named
Summary
Committee members discussed the May appointment of a new state FSA executive director, urged better local FSA/Farm Service access and asked staff to draft a letter inviting the director to meet with the committee.
Members of the Oconee County Agricultural Advisory Committee discussed recent staffing and accessibility problems with USDA Farm Services and agreed to draft a letter to the new state executive director.
Committee members reported that Cody Simpson was appointed as state executive director (appointment referenced as May 1) and described him as having “a very strong farming background.” Members said Simpson’s appointment presents a chance to press for restoration of more consistent local staff, particularly a farm technician based in Oconee County, so farmers can get a farm number and other services without having to travel to another county office.
Committee members asked staff to draft a letter summarizing local concerns about limited daily staffing and to consider inviting the state executive director to a future meeting after he has had time to settle in. Members said NRCS staff such as Caitlin Jones currently work hard to serve farmers but that co-located services would be more efficient.
No formal county directive or external appointment was made during the meeting; next steps described by the committee were drafting a letter to the state executive director and considering an invitation to meet.
