Salazar Meets with New Agriculture Secretary on FSA Closures

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John T. Salazar asked the new Acting Secretary of Agriculture, Chuck Conner, to reconsider the Department’s decision to close Farm Service Agency offices in San Luis Valley in a meeting late Thursday afternoon.  The meeting was the first for Secretary Conner’s on Capitol Hill in his new role.

“I thought it critical the incoming Secretary understand the extraordinary burden closing FSA offices in the San Luis Valley places on farmers and ranchers in my district,” stated Congressman Salazar.  “Secretary Conner pledged that his office would take a serious look at the issue and remain in close contact with my office throughout the process.”

Former Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns resigned on Wednesday.  President George W. Bush named Mr. Conner Acting Secretary in a White House ceremony on Thursday morning.  Mr. Conner previously served as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture.

During the meeting, Congressman Salazar expressed his strong support for keeping the FSA office in the San Luis Valley open to best serve area farmers and ranchers.

“I came to Congress to fight for Colorado farmers and ranchers.  Our government should work to make their job easier not more difficult.  Closing FSA offices serve will place additional burdens on the farmers and ranchers they serve and force them to drive long distances to the next available office.  That is not acceptable,” concluded Congressman Salazar.