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(October 3, 2007) McNulty and Gillibrand praise the USDA for keeping open Rensselaer FSA Office |
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Upstate Reps successfully fight to Stop Closures of Farm Service Agency Office
WASHINGTON, D.C. - 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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