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State ag department leaders concerned about shutdown
Department of Agriculture leaders from across the country are voicing concerns about the real impact the government shutdown is having on farmers and ranchers.
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture represents the secretaries, commissioners, and directors of agriculture for all 50 states as well as four U.S. territories.
NASDA public policy director Nathan Bowen says its members are reporting a lot of distress in farm country.
“Not being able to access federal programs that they depend on for their operations. But also the impacts on federal workers that work in our USDA offices and other federal offices in rural communities.”
He tells Brownfield it’s vital Congress and President Trump work together to get the government back up and running.
“We’ve been talking with USDA and Secretary Perdue about the challenges our communities are facing by not being able to access those programs. We’re hopeful that there can be some sort of short-term way to address that.”
Secretary Perdue announced Wednesday USDA will temporarily reopen FSA offices January 17th, 18th, and 22nd to assist producers with existing farm loans and 1099 tax documentation.
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