On Thursday, Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the latest slate of presidential appointments for Farm Service Agency and Rural Development director roles.

 

Here in the Northwest, Tootie Smith was appointed State Director of Oregon’s FSA.  Smith, a 4th-generation Oregon farmer, was raised on the family farm that she and her husband now own as a hazelnut orchard.

 

On the business side, Smith owners a hospitality center, real estate developer, and logging business.  She also served 12 years in both the Oregon House of Representatives and Chair of Clackamas County Board of Commissioners.

 

Farm Security Is National Security

 

“When rural America succeeds, our entire country is stronger. These newly appointed USDA state directors will play a critical role in advancing President Trump’s America First agenda in the states and ensuring that our farmers and ranchers are prioritized," Secretary Rollins noted Thursday.  "Farm security is national security, and this Administration is prioritizing protecting small family farms for the next generation of American farmers. I appreciate these newly appointed directors’ commitment to our mission and look forward to seeing them lead with the kind of vision that puts American farmers and rural communities first."

 

FSA State Directors, Rollins added, help implement President Trump’s America First agenda and execute USDA policies in planning, organizing, and administering FSA programs through state offices across the country. RD State Directors help affirm the mission of the Trump Administration by focusing on finding ways to empower rural America and unleash economic prosperity.

 

Director positions for Maryland, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming were also announced Thursday.

 

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com 

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