The National Farmers Union (NFU) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at improving customer service and staffing levels at USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) county offices. This partnership seeks to directly engage with family farmers and ranchers to enhance the delivery of critical farm programs and services.
Under the MOU, the NFU will conduct listening sessions across various communities to collect valuable feedback from agricultural producers. These insights will help the USDA identify necessary improvements and invest more effectively in customer service and program management at the county level.
FSA offices are vital for farmers and ranchers, providing essential support through farm safety net programs, disaster recovery assistance, conservation initiatives, and direct and guaranteed financing options. However, increasing demand for these services has put a strain on existing staff, highlighting the need for strategic enhancements.
FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Our employees are our greatest resource and the agricultural producers we serve are our top priority; they deserve the best work or customer experience we can provide. Leveraging this partnership and the outcomes derived from NFU’s access to local input will greatly benefit FSA employees and the farmers and ranchers we serve—it’s a win-win.”
NFU President Rob Larew also expressed strong support for the agreement: “Family farmers and ranchers need access to reliable, efficient services at the county level. This MOU solidifies our commitment to work closely with USDA to gather input from those who depend on FSA’s farm and loan programs to help improve the systems that support them.”
The collaboration between NFU and USDA reflects a concerted effort to address and bridge gaps in service delivery, ensuring that FSA can continue to effectively support the agricultural community across the United States.
