WASHINGTON  -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) is battling U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to shutter several Farm Service Administration (FSA) and Rural Development offices in Southern Missouri counties.

“These offices are very important to the difficult enterprise of running a successful agricultural operation in Missouri, especially in years when low prices or natural disasters add extreme challenges to keeping the family farm or ranch afloat,” Emerson said.

Emerson has made her request to keep open several FSA and Rural Development offices the centerpiece of a request to the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee in Congress, on which she sits.  FSA focuses on assisting producers with paperwork and understanding complicated government Farm Bill programs while Rural Development provides grants and loans for economic development, public safety improvements, etc., in rural areas throughout the nation.

“Asking our farmers and ranchers to travel two, or even three, counties to see a USDA
representative is simply too much – especially during a time of crisis.  These officials need to know exactly what is going on in the county they are designated to help, meaning all their offices in those counties should stay open,” Emerson said.  “This is a question of essential support to the men and women who constitute the heart and soul of our nation’s safe, affordable and bountiful food supply.  We cannot pull the rug from beneath their feet and ask them, once again, to bend but not break.”

Emerson directed tough questions to the USDA Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign
Agriculture Service, Dr. Mark Keenum, on May 2, asking him why, during particularly tough times for Missouri dairies, the USDA would close the FSA office in the largest milk-producing county in the state. 

“It is so important for USDA to keep a close eye on the local situation in Missouri and in every other state they serve.  I simply do not know how they expect to fulfil their mission statement when they keep closing their local offices,” Emerson concluded.

Attached below is an April 19 letter from Emerson to the State Executive Director of the
Missouri State Farm Service Agency:

Mr. Tim Kelley
State Executive Director
Missouri State Farm Service Agency
601 Business Loop 70 W STE 250
Columbia, MO  65203

Dear Director Kelley,

 I want to thank you for your availability to meet with my staff and discuss the Farm
Service Agency office closure proposal.  Unfortunately, I am very concerned about the impact this proposal could have on the level of service to my constituents. 

 I want to be clear that I believe this proposal is ill-conceived.  As Congress debates and enacts a new Farm Bill, uncertainty and confusion will increase among producers.  The need for the services and counseling available at local Farm Services Agency offices will be critical for producers as they consider new options and requirements. 

In addition, I am troubled by specific aspects of this particular proposal.  I cannot help but notice that this plan proposes consolidating the Shannon County office with Texas County.  As Shannon County currently serves Reynolds County, this closure would serve an area larger than the state of Delaware with one office.  In addition, Wright County, an important dairy county, is proposed for consolidation.  As you know well, the dairy industry in Missouri is experiencing difficult times.  It appears Congress will continue the important MILC program necessary to the survival of many of our dairy farms.  As these dairy producers will continue to rely on FSA offices for access to this program, I do not understand how it is possible – in a region with significant transportation difficulties – to consolidate this office and continue an adequate level
of service.

I remain unconvinced that significant cost savings will be achieved through these office closures.  In addition, given the limitations on internet speed and access and the significant transportation difficulties in the targeted Eighth Congressional District counties, I believe service will significantly suffer.  I appreciate your willingness to discuss this proposal, I hope you will examine the above concerns and I look forward to working with you to provide the necessary service Missouri’s agriculture producers deserve.  

                                                         Sincerely,
                               
                               
                                                        Jo Ann Emerson
                                                        Member of Congress