by Sandra Mahoney, district specialist, Montana Farm Service Agency

Deputy Administrator of Farm Programs Juan M. Garcia was in Great Falls, Mont. to speak at the Montana Grain Growers Association Convention & Trade Show. While in town, the national FSA deputy administrator stopped by the Cascade County FSA office to visit with staff.

Garcia discussed issues that the county offices are facing with regards to implementing disaster, emergency conservation and compliance programs and fielded questions from employees regarding any concerns they had with FSA programs. Employees mentioned concerns regarding budget issues and impacts, as well as rules impacting reestablishment criteria for grass seeding on re-enrolled Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts. Discussion took place on one common crop acreage reporting system for Risk Management Agency and FSA producer crop acreage reports.

Garcia was on the original task force for the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments Program, the crop disaster program known as SURE, and understands the complexity of implementing this program. He also briefed the staff on the Modernize and Innovate the Delivery of Agricultural Systems (MIDAS) project which will integrate the FSA program delivery systems to one seamless operating platform.

 

Accompanied by Acting State Executive Director Dick Deschamps and District Director Lance Wasson, Garcia also visited the Chouteau County FSA office in Fort Benton, a strong agricultural community located 45 miles northeast of Great Falls.