Schoharie County’s Jim Barber has been appointed State Executive Director for the USDA New York Farm Service Agency, a position he’s held previously for eight years in the Obama Adminstration.
Mr. Barber rejoined the FSA on December 13.
During his previous tenure, Mr. Barber made improvements in the farm loan program by dramatically increasing its efficiency, according to a release from the USDA.
He took “great efforts to reach out to minority farmers and involve underserved communities in FSA programs, including setting up urban farms in New York City and improving outreach to Native American nations across the state,” the USDA said.
Mr. Barber is a fifth-generation Fultonham farmer who operates the 500-acre vegetable and greenhouse operation, Barber’s Farm, with his family.
“As the USDA continues to improve the lives of Americans each day in positive ways, we welcome these individuals to advancing our shared mission,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
“Each of them will add to the experienced, dedicated, and growing team throughout the Department.”
FSA state executive directors oversee FSA operations and agricultural policy implementation in the state.
Each state executive director works with the state committee to administer FSA programs and county office operations.
Mr. Barber’s was one of four FSA appointments made nationwide.
Mr. Vilsack was also Agriculture Secretary in the Obama Administration.
He was reappointed by President Joe Biden and confirmed in February.