USDA proposes to close 3 Iowa FSA offices, public meeting schedule announced – Iowa State Daily: News
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has proposed to close downthree Farm Security Administration offices in Appanoose, Decaturand Union counties.
It is planning to cut back on spending while still providingexcellent service to its customers.
The possible closings are part of the USDA’s plan to adjust tothe reduced operating and program budget and the 2012 farm bill,said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Last week, Vilsackannounced the USDA’s Blueprint for Stronger Service, which isproposing to close 131 county offices in 32 states, including threein Iowa.
Vilsack said in the last two years, Congress has reduced theUSDA’s operating budget by about 12 percent, which is around $3billion.
The plan is not permanent yet. The FSA has 30 days to holdpublic meetings in each county.
If the proposed locations close, farmers who are assigned tothose offices can still receive service by going to neighboringcounty offices or can receive instant online service by signing upfor the Direct and Counter Cyclical Program online starting Monday.in 2013, all programs will be available online for farmers to signup.
For the public to express any comments or concerns, the FSA’spublic meetings will be the only opportunity available. The publicmay also comment by emailing gov or sending awritten comment to John R. Whitaker, state executive director forIowa FSA, by Feb. 9.
All public comments will be taken into full consideration beforedevelopment or implementation of a final consolidation plan. Formore information, contact the Iowa Farm Service Agency at515-254-1540.
Whitaker and members of FAS management have publicmeetings set up in the three counties.
• Appanoose County on Jan. 31 at 1 p.m. at the FaithUnited Methodist Church of Centerville in Centerville.
• Decatur County on Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. in the PioneerHall Building on the Decatur County Fairgrounds in Leon.
• Union County on Feb. 2 at 1 p.m. in InstructionalCenter Room no. 220 on the Southwestern Community College Campus inCreston.
