MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - The US Department of Agriculture earlier this week announced the closing of 259 offices, facilities and labs across the nation. Willie Cooper is Louisiana State Executive Director of the USDA's Farm Service Agency.
"Budget wise it is just getting less and less. Because personnel ceilings are tied to that, we have less people to do what appears to be at least, more work in the past year or so."
There were no closings announced for Northeast Louisiana. However, one FSA office in Bossier City and another in Colfax were on the closure list. Their duties will be transferred to neighboring parishes.
"They had to look at those that were within 20 miles or had two or less people."
Cooper says the closings aren't final. Public hearings must be held in the areas where facilities are being closed. He says FSA will continue it's service to the agricultural community.
"We will continue to do everything within our power to see that we still provide the kind of service that producers are used to in Louisiana."
FSA services include financial assistance programs for farmers and soil conservation.
