The FSA dates back to the 1930s when one in four Americans
lived on a farm, requiring numerous rural offices to
administer farm payments, something that has changed along
with farm programs.
“The ultimate goal of the modernization proposal is to
create a network of state-of the-art FSA offices by
upgrading equipment, investing in technology and providing
personnel with additional training,” USDA said in a press
release.
It said minimal net reductions in personnel are anticipated,
but it also said more than 400 FSA offices have two or
fewer full-time staff, that 500 offices are within 20 miles
of another and that the cost of delivering benefits is too
expensive in some cases — up to $2 for every $1 doled out.
State executive directors will work with stakeholders, local,
state and congressional leaders to submit consolidation
proposals by November 15, UDSA said.