Washington, D.C.  -  A proposal strongly opposed by Congressman Mike Rogers to close several USDA Field Offices in the Third District has been ‘set aside,’ according to a letter released today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
 

The letter, which was sent by USDA Under Secretary J.B. Penn to Agriculture Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), says the Department recognizes the growing opposition to the proposal, and that “we are prepared to set aside the ‘FSA Tomorrow’ approach and timetable.”

 

The plan would have dramatically restructured the Farm Service Agency (FSA) county office system by closing hundreds of rural offices nationwide.

 

“I am very pleased USDA has responded to the concerns of East Alabama’s farmers and decided to delay this plan – at least for now,” Rogers said. “While we’re not completely out of the woods, I am glad to see the Department understands the magnitude of this proposal and the need for further discussion. Nevertheless, this is a very positive development for the Third District’s farmers.”

 

In late September, Congressional district offices were notified about the plan, which was offered without any formal approval or oversight from Congress. Rogers, a member of the Committee on Agriculture and along with other members of the Alabama delegation, sent a letter to Chairman Goodlatte requesting hearings on the issue.

 

‘USDA has already consolidated FSA offices in an earlier effort to cut costs…Closing any of the remaining offices could limit the amount of farmers that FSA can assist in a timely and efficient manner,’ Alabama representatives Rogers, Bonner and Everett wrote on September 29.

 

“I certainly support efforts to modernize and streamline USDA, but this plan simply would have done much more harm than good,” Rogers said. “I thank Chairman Goodlatte for his strong support on this issue, and will continue to monitor the issue closely as the Congressional budget process moves forward.” In a statement today, Goodlatte said, “Much more dialogue and consideration is needed before a final determination, which could essentially alter the county office structure, is made.”

 

Rogers said the USDA proposal would have closed field offices in Macon, Calhoun, Lee, Talladega, Cherokee, and Russell counties.