FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 16, 2019
Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106
ajerome@nfudc.org
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced it would reopen Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices for three days to provide farmers with select services amidst a government shutdown that has closed agency offices.
National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson sent a letter to Farmers Union members, providing them with the details of the announcement and advising family farmers and ranchers to take advantage of the services available to them. “We’re urging those of you who have business with FSA to take advantage of this temporary reopening before FSA county offices are once again forced to close their doors,” he said.
Johnson noted that NFU is appreciative of USDA’s efforts to service farmers as much as they can amidst the shutdown, and that the organization continues to call on the President and Congress to open the government.
“USDA is finding ways to help family farmers and ranchers through the shutdown, but there is only so much they can do while shut down,” said Johnson. “FSA’s loans, MFP payments and USDA data are essential for farmers and ranchers across the country at this time.”
“On top of that, we have a new farm bill and a new E15 waiver to implement this year,” he continued. “The longer USDA and EPA are closed, the harder these things are to get done. It’s time the President and Congress end this shutdown showdown and allow USDA and other government agencies to provide farmers with support as they gear up for 2019.”
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National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.
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