New USDA-NFU pact to strengthen farm support

Sep 12, 2024
By Farms.com

Collaboration focuses on improving local agricultural services

The USDA and the National Farmers Union (NFU) have entered into a new partnership, underpinned by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), to strengthen the support mechanisms at local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices. This agreement aims to improve the interaction between family farmers, ranchers, and FSA staff by directly addressing staffing and customer service needs.

Under this MOU, both organizations will gather input from agricultural producers through listening sessions held in local communities. These sessions are designed to capture the experiences and concerns of farmers and ranchers, providing valuable feedback that can be used to shape future improvements in FSA services.

FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux highlighted the dual focus of the initiative, pointing out that investing in personnel and enhancing service quality are critical to meeting the needs of the agricultural community effectively. This feedback-driven approach aims to ensure that local FSA offices can better serve as essential resources for rural America.

The collaboration between the USDA and NFU marks a proactive step towards reinforcing the infrastructure that supports the nation’s agriculture, ensuring that local offices can respond adeptly to the evolving demands of the farming community.

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