Hello everyone.

I am honored to be appointed Administrator of the Farm Service Agency, and to have this opportunity 
to work alongside a talented, dedicated workforce to serve America’s farmers and ranchers to 
strengthen and support American agriculture.

By way of introduction, let me share with you the two experiences that helped shape my approach to 
this job. First, I was raised on my family’s farm in Ohio, where my father and brother now farm land 
that has been in my family for seven generations.  I have tremendous respect and admiration for America’s 
producers and for this agency’s mission to serve them.  Second, working for Senator Ben Nelson of Nebraska 
taught me the value of listening closely to the thoughts, concerns and wisdom of the people who are affected 
by the decisions we make here in Washington, D.C. These formative experiences will guide me during my time at FSA.

I pledge to work hard to ensure that FSA realizes its mission of service—to the farmers and ranchers who rely 
on the programs we administer; to the members of Congress who created these programs as a contract with the citizens 
they represent; to the President and Secretary who rely on us to carry out our duties fairly and competently; 
and to all taxpayers expecting us to be responsible stewards of their tax dollars. 

I begin with a focus on expediting implementation of the 2008 Farm Bill, especially the new disaster assistance programs 
and the Biomass Crop Assistance Program. I also want to continue developing the capacity of the hardworking, talented 
staff of FSA, and improving the technological systems that FSA uses to deliver its programs. 

The push for these improvements comes at a time of extraordinary economic challenge, and the availability of 
resources will determine how quickly we can progress. FSA is committed to living up to this administration’s 
expectation for greater efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the delivery of these federal programs 
and to providing the necessary support for the American farmer, rancher, and consumer. I welcome the opportunity 
to serve as Administrator of the Farm Service Agency, and look forward to all that we can accomplish together 
in the years to come.

Sincerely, 
Jonathan Coppess