12/12/07 While Congress debates, FSA offices consolidate

Plans to consolidate and close Farm Service Agency offices are causing a lot of controversy in some states. That's not true in Idaho where FSA has already taken action to close offices in Ada and Kootenai counties, the two fastest growing urban areas in the state. Farm Service Agency Administrator Teresa Lasseter says USDA is moving forward with consolidation and closures in an effort to improve service. LASSETER "We feels like it's the right thing to do to make sure that our offices are located, staffed and equipped with modern technology so that we can give our farmers and ranchers the very best service possible." Each state submitted its own consolidation plan. It was based on office activities and in some cases there was a staff but no workload for them because farmers and ranchers didn't exist there in any significant numbers. The two Idaho offices that closed are part of 47 already consolidated but the plans call for a total of 233 closures. Lasseter says more will close by the end of this month. However there are provisions in both the House and Senate farm bills to limit or even stop FSA office closures and Lasseter says if Congress comes up with a different rule she will abide by it. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott