LOVELOCK - The United States Department of Agricultural (USDA) plans to close 259 offices nationwide. It further is recommending the Farm Services Agency (FSA) consolidate 131 county offices in 32 states.
In a press release Jan. 12, USDA released its "Blueprint for Stronger Service," a plan that helps producers continue to drive America's economy by streamlining operations and cutting costs, the press release said.
"The USDA, like families and businesses across the country, cannot continue to operate like we did 50 years ago. We must innovate, modernize and be better stewards of the taxpayers' dollars. We must build on the record accomplishments of farm communities in 2011 with a stronger, more effective USDA in 2012 and beyond," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said.
USDA estimates that these closures and consolidations will save $150 million annually. These changes will impact USDA headquarters in Washington, D.C., and in 46 states and one U.S. territory.
The criteria for the closures and consolidations are that the office has two or less staff members and that it be within 20 miles of another USDA office, said Clint Koble, state executive director of the Nevada FSA.
"Lovelock doesn't meet that criteria and isn't on any closure lists," Koble said during a phone interview.
According to Koble, the Minden FSA office is the only USDA office in Nevada that is currently being looked at for consolidation. A public comment session on that proposal was scheduled to be held on Jan. 24 in Minden. Further comments may be e-mailed to Koble at Clinton.koble@nv.usda.gov or mailed to Clinton Koble, Nevada FSA, 1755 E. Plumb Lane, Suite 202, Reno, NV 89502 no later than Friday, Feb. 10.
The Minden office has no staff members and is operated remotely with Yerington staff members. It is proposed that the office be consolidated with the Yerington office, Koble said.
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