USDA Farm Service Agency Reopens for More Services
The government shutdown is affecting the agricultural community in numerous ways. ARE Extension Specialist Rod Rejesus explains the recent announcement to reopen the Farm Service Agency offices.
“The US Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (USDA FSA) announced that they will temporarily recall theirs employees in order to run county offices starting Thursday, January 24th. This will allow the agency to offer services critical to farmers before the crop season starts. Certain FSA offices have been providing limited services for existing loans and tax documents since Jan. 17. But beginning Thursday, Jan. 24, the department will open all FSA offices and expand services and help farmers with programs such as: the Market Facilitation Program, marketing loans, and direct and guaranteed operating loans. See the link below for the full list of programs that USDA FSA are able to service. We encourage all growers in NC to visit their local FSA offices to avail of services they need in order to prepare for the upcoming season.”
