USDA works to ensure ag business not interrupted
Brent Murphree, Farm Progress
Despite business closures across the U.S. most USDA Service Centers, including Farm Service Agency offices, remain open during the COVID-19 National Emergency.
USDA officials have stated that they are, "committed to delivering USDA services to America’s farmers and ranchers while taking safety measures in response to the COVID-19, or new coronavirus, outbreak."
As a result, services are available by appointment or by phone from all but about a dozen service centers across the country at this time. Producers are encouraged to call their local center for the latest up-to-date information.
Connect here for an update list of Farm Production and Conservation office closures.
USDA is encouraging those who can work at home to do so but understand that certain activities can only be handled from the service center. Since producer information at FSA service centers are not allowed outside of the facility, some FSA staff must work from the office.
Should an outbreak occur in certain areas, FSA and the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) will manage customer service and mission delivery tasks to telework, according to a USDA release. The local office will route phones, post and electronic communications to staff that are able to complete those tasks.