(Washington, DC) - Congressman Michael R. McNulty and Congresswoman Kirsten E. Gillibrand today welcomed the news that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has heeded their call to keep open the local Farm Service Agency (FSA) field office in Rensselaer County, New York State, withdrawing plans to close this office.

"It is encouraging that the USDA has decided to keep the Rensselaer County Farm Service Agency (FSA) field office open. The services that local farmers receive from these offices are vital to ensuring the continued success of agriculture in our community. I am grateful for Congresswoman Gillibrand's diligent work on behalf of local farmers and I will continue to do whatever I can to assure that my constituents continue to get the USDA services they need," said Congressman Michael R. McNulty.

“As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I will continue to fight the plans of the USDA to consolidate offices in Upstate New York. These local field offices are not only accessible and convenient to our local farmers but essential to their continued survival and success.” Gillibrand said.

State and county offices directly administer FSA programs. These offices certify farmers for farm programs and pay out farm subsidies and disaster payments. Currently, there are 2,346 FSA county offices in the continental states. FSA also has offices in Hawaii, and a few American territories.

After an initial announcement to close the Rensselaer office, Congresswoman Gillibrand successfully lobbied the USDA to alter their plans and avoid closing this office.

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