Larry J. Adams is the Deputy Administrator for Commodity Operations (DACO) for USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA). As the Deputy Administrator for Commodity Operations, Adams is responsible for developing policies and regulations for the dairy price support program; the storage, handling and disposition of Commodity Credit Corporation's owned commodities; and for the export and domestic commodity donation programs. Under Adams' leadership, DACO produces a uniform regulatory system for the storage of agricultural products and ensures the timely provision of food products procured for domestic and international food assistance programs and market development programs.
Prior to this position, Adams served as FSA's assistant deputy administrator for farm programs. In that capacity, he advised the deputy administrator for farm programs and the FSA administrator on farm programs and policies. He worked with various agency staff on commodity price support activities, conservation and environmental programs, and emergency assistance efforts, such as the Noninsured Crop Disaster Program and county disaster declarations. Additionally, Adams provided focus and direction for programs and policy guidance to the farm program management team and county employees.
Before being named to the farm program position, Adams was the Ohio state executive director (SED) for FSA. As SED, he oversaw FSA programs in both the state office and county offices throughout Ohio, and promoted agency programs to producers and various agricultural groups. Before joining USDA, Adams served 10 years as assistant director for the Ohio Department of Agriculture. While assistant director, Adams developed statewide agricultural and land use policies, including farmland preservation, farm assistance programs and regulatory enforcement programs.
Elected to the Ohio House of Representatives for the 86th House District in 1986, Adams served two terms. While in the Ohio House, he served from 1986 to 1990 on various committees such as the Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Economic Affairs and Federal Relations, the Public Utilities and the Economic and Development committees. Adams also served two terms as Marion County Commissioner from 1979 to 1986 and from 1975 to 1978 as Marion Township Clerk. He also worked 18 years for the Whirlpool Corporation, Marion Division, in Ohio.
A fourth-generation farmer, Adams grew up near LaRue, Ohio, where he still maintains his small farm. He studied at The Ohio State University and Marion Technical College. He is a second generation pilot and has been flying aircraft for more than 35-years. Adams is married and has two children and three grandchildren.
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