Growers appointed to FSA state committee

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) has announced appointees who will serve on the Washington FSA state committee.

Members of the FSA state committee are appointed by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and are responsible for the oversight of farm programs and county committee operations, resolving program delivery appeals from the agriculture community, maintaining cooperative relations with industry stakeholders, keeping producers informed about FSA programs, and operating in a manner consistent with USDA equal opportunity and civil rights policies. Each FSA state committee is comprised of three to five members, including a designated chairperson. The individuals appointed to serve for Washington are:

• Committee Chair Bernard “Butch” Ogden of Castle Rock.

• Brett Blankenship of Washtucna.

• Sam Ledgerwood of Clarkston.

• Jackie Richter of Omak.

• Jose Ramirez of Royal City.

“The FSA state committee members play an integral role in the continuity of operations, equitable and inclusive program administration, and ensure the overall integrity of services to the nation’s agricultural producers,” said Marcus Graham, FSA deputy administrator for field operations. “These individuals have proven themselves to be leaders, early adopters and key influencers in the agriculture industry in their respective states, qualities that will serve them well in these key Biden-Harris Administration leadership positions.”