By Seymour Klierly

Last week, media reports revealed a yet-to-be released U.S. Department of Agriculture proposal that would shut the doors of almost a quarter of the country's Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices. Of over 2000 offices across the country, the proposal dubbed "FSA Tomorrow" would close almost 700 offices.

Often the most familiar face of the nation's agriculture department, FSA employees are the day-to-day point of contact and are the wheels that turn the engines of our farm programs. Established as a network of community offices in the 1930s during the Great Depression (the birthplace of many of our current farm programs) FSA has been a cornerstone of USDA ag programs.

But, when times are tough--and that is just what appears to be facing USDA decision-makers--budget pressures often dictate policy decisions. Penny pinching, as well as a department-wide effort to modernize and implement new technologies have raised questions on the continued need for the current amount of staff in local offices. This comes in the wake of a current program underway to administer a voluntary buyout of current USDA FSA employees.

Reaction to the proposal has been cautious--particularly since Georgia, the home state of Senate Agriculture Chairman Saxby Chambliss, faces to lose 38 offices and Virginia, the home state of House Agriculture Chairman Bob Goodlatte, stands to lose 15 offices.

Needless to say, members of Congress have expressed some reservations about the proposal. And with good reason.

Hurricane Katrina and the fear of future natural and terrorist disaster have sparked concern with the readiness of the U.S. to respond, including those in rural America. Should disaster strike, FSA employees along with extension office staff play a key role in the first response in rural areas. Cutting FSA employees has touched a nerve with some producers that fear long drives and the impact fewer offices will have on the delivery of services.

And that doesn't even begin to touch upon the political struggle regarding budget reconciliation and high energy costs. Many, including Senate Ag Chairman Chambliss, R-GA, have indicated they understand the reasoning behind such a proposal, but have concerns with the timing of such a proposal. Particularly in between farm bills. They make a strong argument that cutting offices now would hamper programs under the 2002 farm bill.

It seems it would be a bit more palatable to wait until the 2007 farm bill debate to talk about trimming down FSA services and capabilities

Whatever the case, the cat is out of the bag on FSA Tomorrow. USDA has a quite a public relations battle ahead as they scramble to brief members of congress on the proposal before it is released formally to the public.