USDA consolidating 11 state offices in cost-cutting move

ACROSS MISSISSIPPI — The U. S. Department of Agriculture will consolidate 11 offices in Mississippi with other USDA offices across the country.

The list includes Farm Service Agency offices in Ashland, Ackerman, Fulton, Hernando, Coffeeville, Monticello, Raleigh and Purvis.

A nutrition site in Jackson, an animal plant inspection service in Gulfport, and a rural development office in DeSoto County will also be affected.

FSA’s services include financial assistance programs for farmers and crop growers.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack notified Congress yesterday that he would approve the move in 90 days.

USDA officials submitted a list of 259 locations nationwide for possible closure in January. The list sent to lawmakers was narrowed to 131.

They include offices within 20 miles of another office or with less than three employees.