WASHINGTON  -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today issued the following statement regarding the “FSA Tomorrow” plan to close 31 Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices in Missouri, and hundreds more nationwide:

 

“Reducing the level of service to our farmers is not an option.  I, and the farmers I represent, would much rather get face-to-face information about their loans, disaster assistance and federal agriculture programs rather than from a fax machine or an

e-mail message.  American producers deserve a local point of contact for all FSA services, and I am unconvinced that this plan to close and consolidate FSA offices will do anything but reduce the agency’s overall level of service.  In times of natural disaster or drought, it is even more critical that our farmers can obtain quick, personal and accurate guidance at a local FSA office.

 

“My first concern is for the producers I represent, not for the bureaucrats at the Washington offices of the FSA.   I’ve been all over the District of Columbia and I haven’t seen an acre of farmland there yet.  I want to hear the FSA’s case for closing hundreds of offices, even if I don’t agree with them.  Right now, though, I am definitely not inclined to accept their proposal.”

 

Emerson will receive a briefing on Monday from the Washington FSA office about the proposed slate of closures.