USDA

Pender Sharp, Chairperson on the USDA North Carolina Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Committee, announced that Doane Cottle of Duplin County has been appointed member on the Agency’s Committee. 

Sharp, a producer in Wilson, said Cottle’s wealth of experience in produce farming brings unique benefit to the State Committee.  “Doane’s family is renowned as organic farmers,” said Sharp.  “His knowledge will assist the Committee in our responsibility to set yields and prices on commodities that qualify for loss assistance.”        

The State Committee members oversee the activities of the Agency, including carrying out the state agricultural conservation programs, resolving appeals from the agriculture community and helping to keep producers informed about FSA programs. 

Other individuals serving on the Committee are Tom Gilmore of Julian, John Ashe of Reidsville, and Nancy Fish of Maggie Valley.

“These individuals will work with USDA to help farmers and ranchers build and maintain successful operations that produce the safe, nutritious food supply that America needs while spurring economic development in our nation’s rural communities,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. 

USDA’s Farm Service 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 Rutherford County FSA office is located at 121 Laurel Drive, Rutherfordton (828) 287-4220.