Steven D. Maurer, state executive director for Ohio FSA and members of his management team have scheduled public meetings in five Ohio counties where FSA offices are being considered for proposed consolidation under USDA’s plan to increase departmental efficiencies announced Jan. 9 by Secretary Tom Vilsack.

The Montgomery county public meeting is scheduled for Jan. 26 between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Written comments need to be emailed or postmarked by Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012.

FSA’s public meeting will be the only one held to take public comment on USDA’s proposed office consolidation plan in which the Carroll, Clark, Meigs, Montgomery and Perry county FSA offices are being considered for consolidation.

Producers can provide written comment by emailing Christina Reed or sending written comment to:

USDA Ohio Farm Service Agency

Attn: Christina Reed

200 North High St., Rm. 540

Columbus, Ohio 43215  

All public comments will be taken into full consideration prior to development or implementation of a final consolidation plan.

For more information, contact the Ohio Farm Service Agency State Office at 614-255-2441.