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littlemissmartypants

(27,080 posts)
Sat Feb 15, 2025, 08:36 AM Feb 15

Dear NC Agricultural Partners, Last email from USDA staffer: r/Agriculture

Go to Agriculture
r/Agriculture
12 hr. ago

Last email from USDA staffer
“Dear North Carolina Agricultural Partners,

I am reaching out with a heavy heart. As of February 13, 2025, I have been terminated from my position as the only Outreach Coordinator for the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in North Carolina. This decision is part of the current administration's new direction for the federal workforce—many of whom, like me, have dedicated their careers to serving the public and supporting those who feed America.

I had the privilege of working with some of you directly, others I supported indirectly, and many of you were on my list to aid in the near future. It saddens me that I will no longer be able to provide the outreach, education, and connections you rely on to access USDA programs. When I enlisted into the U.S. Army at the age of 17, I made a commitment to serve our country and had hoped to continue that sentiment by ensuring farmers and producers have the resources they need to thrive.

That mission has now been cut short for me - not because of performance or lack of need, but due to an arbitrary policy decision that will ultimately effect America's support system for farmers.

I will say with confidence that in the short time I’ve worked with FSA, the dedication, compassion, and commitment to our farmers—the backbone of our country—surpasses much of what I’ve seen in my career and is an absolute testament to each and every one of you. It’s the people like you that remind me why I signed up to serve in the first place.

I want to be clear—this decision did not come from the North Carolina Farm Service Agency. The leadership and staff at North Carolina FSA have been phenomenal to work with, and they remain committed to serving the state’s farmers and producers. My Termination was bypassed at the state level and came directly from the Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) Mission Area under the current administration’s direction. This makes it even more disappointing because it was done without regard for the relationships that have been built and the work that still needs to be done for North Carolina’s agricultural community.

What This Means for North Carolina's Farmers & Producers

With my departure, North Carolina no longer has a dedicated USDA FSA Outreach Coordinator. This means fewer resources, connections, and opportunities for small farmers and producers who need guidance in navigating programs designed to help them succeed. At a time when the agricultural community is already facing extreme economic and environmental hardships.

The administration's policies are already harming America's farmers:

Cuts to key farm assistance programs that once provided financial relief to struggling producers.

Delays and freezes in federal loans and grants were on which many North Carolina farmers depended.

The shutdown of critical agricultural research at land-grant universities that helped develop better seeds, equipment, and global market access.

Sever freezes and extreme weather conditions that have devastated crops, while emergency aid remains uncertain.

These issues aren't just affecting North Carolina; they are part of a nationwide policy that will affect the entire American agricultural system. Please refer to the official Executive Orders that have been signed for further context.

While I may no longer be in this position, I urge you to stay engaged and advocate for the resources that our community deserves.

Lastly, the challenges ahead require all American farmers to work together, remain informed, and support each other.

Thank you for your partnership and dedication.

Sincerely,

Alexander Morgan

Dedicated Public Servant and U.S. Army Veteran

State Outreach Coordinator

USDA Farm Service Agency

NC State Office”

Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/Agriculture/comments/1ippkf4/last_email_from_usda_staffer/



As a farmer, the leopard just ate my face.

#RESIST

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