BISMARCK – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) delivered remarks today to North Dakota Farm Service Agency (FSA) employees at the North Dakota Association of County Office Employees State Convention.
“North Dakota’s agricultural producers have faced their fair share of challenges this year, but they are a resilient and patriotic group who always rise to the challenge,” said Senator Cramer. “I am thankful to the Farm Service Agency employees for their time today and for their strong desire to work on behalf of our agricultural community. It’s important we address the staffing and accessibility issues they are facing so they can help our producers continue their mission of feeding and fueling a world in need.”
Senator Cramer spoke on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) current policy of limiting in-office staff and restricting visitors from entering FSA county offices. The senator heard attendees express their concerns regarding this policy and their desire for offices to be reopened, which would allow them to better serve the people seeking their assistance.
Over the past year Senator Cramer has worked with FSA throughout the COVID-19 pandemic on issues such as implementing the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) and addressing food supply chain weaknesses exposed by the virus. The senator is monitoring the impact of the recent drought in North Dakota on the state’s agricultural community and stands ready to partner with the agency to provide resources as appropriate.
