Reed & Whitehouse Announce Selection Process for New RI State Director of the Farm Service Agency

10/29/2015

PROVIDENCE, RI – In an effort to support local farmers, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse today outlined the process for ensuring there are highly-qualified applicants for the position of executive director of the state Farm Service Agency (FSA) office.  The current executive director of the Rhode Island FSA, Paul Brule, is stepping down after serving in the position for the last six years.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s FSA works to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural Americans.  Some of the agency’s efforts include facilitating income support, disaster assistance and conservation programs, providing operating loans for the procurement of farm equipment, seed and fertilizer, as well as offering ownership loans to help new and veteran producers purchase a farm.  FSA also works to procure various commodities to benefit low-income families through domestic food assistance programs.

The FSA state director administers federal farm programs that help Rhode Island’s agricultural producers remain economically viable, including farm commodity, credit, conservation, disaster, and loan programs.

All interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Senator Reed’s office (1000 Chapel View Boulevard, Suite 290, Cranston, RI 02920) by November 14, 2015.  The goal is to identify highly-qualified and experienced candidates for this important federal post who will serve the people of Rhode Island with professionalism, integrity, and distinction.

It is customary for the President to ask U.S. Senators for recommendations for appointments in their state, although ultimately it is the President’s responsibility to nominate a candidate.