1. NASCOE recommends that conservation program duties be reassigned. The programs themselves shall remain within the same agency as currently assigned but, the specific duties will be assigned according to expertise. Farm Service Agency These reassignments allow each agency to utilize their abilities and resources in the most efficient manner. The 24.2% of the conservation allocations used for administration could be drastically reduced by using an agency that, for years, has implemented programs with an average administrative expense of 6.2% of program outlays. Providing FSA the equivalent of 6% of program outlays in administrative funding to run this portion of the program would make more funds available to our nation’s producers. 2. NASCOE supports the elimination of duplication of duties within USDA which will create budget savings with the agency. Maintaining an FSA County office presence continues to be very important to our producers. NASCOE believes there are obtainable savings within the agency structure that should be considered before we penalize the service to our producers. It is recommended that FSA be made the sole agency for the collection of crop reporting data. Currently, USDA is paying administrative dollars to three different agencies (FSA, NASS, and RMA) to collect this information. Centralizing all data management into one agency, rather than handling by multiple agencies, will provide additional savings for USDA. These recommendations will make USDA a more streamlined and efficient agricultural operation. They will enhance the service to agricultural producers rather than burdening producers. Your consideration of these requests will be greatly appreciated. If you have need for any additional information, please feel free to contact me. |
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The developing farm bill offers an opportunity for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to enhance support for American Agriculture and become more fiscally efficient. NASCOE feels the recommendations included in this proposal will benefit producers with better service, additionally; it will more properly align agency responsibilities and make more efficient use of taxpayer dollars.