(September 4, 2007) Gillibrand Announces USDA Grant for Hudson Valley Agribusiness Development Corp. |
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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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