Release No. 0286.09
Contact:
Office of Communication 202-720-4623
Obama Administration Continues Naming State Executive Directors for the Farm Service Agency
WASHINGTON, July 2, 2009 - The Obama Administration today continued naming individuals who will serve as State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency at the USDA.
"These individuals have a solid understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our rural communities and will help build on the Obama Administration's efforts to rebuild and revitalize rural America," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
MISSOURI
Edward J. Hamill: Hamill has been the Ralls County Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency since 1979. In this position, he has delivered all major farm bill legislation to Ralls County farmers and landowners, managed County FSA staff, and worked with the County FSA Committee to implement programs. He has also been a management trainer since the 1990s, providing training for candidates for FSA County Executive Director positions across the state.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
James Phinizy: Phinizy most recently served as a State Representative from 1998 to 2008, was Chair of the House Committee on Environment and Agriculture from 2006 to 2008, and ranking member of that Committee from 2001 to 2003. In 2007, he was named legislator of the year by the New Hampshire Grange and received the President's Award from the New Hampshire Farm Bureau. Phinizy has also been a licensed real estate broker since 1975 and a volunteer fireman since 1973.
VERMONT
Robert Paquin: Paquin has been working in Senator Leahy's Washington and Vermont offices since 1977. He is currently Senator Leahy's Legislative Assistant for Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment. Paquin was involved in the five Farm Bills dating back to 1985 and co-drafted legislation addressing forestry and Lake Champlain and related issues. He was born and raised in Vermont and attended the University of Vermont for both his undergraduate and graduate degrees.
WYOMING
Gregory Goertz: Goertz is the owner operator of a family farm in Weatland, Wyo., one of the first 100% Organic certified in the area. Goertz was a member of the State Executive Committee for the Farm Service Service Agency from 1995-2004. He is a member of the Slater Wind Energy Association and the Wyoming Wheat Growers Board of Directors. Goertz also served as a Platte County Commissioner from 1987 - 1990.
USDA's Farm Services Agency works to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural Americans. Some of the agency's efforts include facilitating income support, disaster assistance and conservation programs, providing operating loans for the procurement of farm equipment, seed and fertilizer, as well as offering ownership loans to help new and veteran producers purchase a farm. FSA also works to procure various commodities to benefit low-income families through domestic food assistance programs.
The USDA provides leadership on food, agriculture and natural resources and touches the life of every American. Reflecting President Obama's commitment to expanding economic opportunities in rural America, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and the USDA are working to enhance availability of broadband, promote the development of renewable energy, to conserve, maintain and improve our natural resources and environment, and promote a sustainable, safe, sufficient and nutritious food supply.
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