Oklahoma State Senate

For Immediate Release: October 19, 2005

Senator Daisy Lawler

USDA Decision a Victory for Oklahoma Farmers,
Chairman of Senate Agriculture Committee Says

Senator Daisy Lawler today applauded the decision by the United States Department of Agriculture to scrap its plans to close and consolidate 700 Farm Service Agency offices across the country, including 19 in Oklahoma.

“The voices of Oklahoma family farmers have been heard in Washington and we have won a tremendous victory for family farms in our state and across the nation,” said Lawler, the chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

After attending an informational meeting in Lawton about the planned closures over the weekend, Lawler encouraged Oklahoma family farmers to contact their congressional delegation and the White House and explain how closure of the offices would create a tremendous hardship for them.

“It’s obvious that the leaders in Washington heard their concerns. As a result is that family farmers in our state won’t have to overcome what would have been a major man-made disaster,” the Democrat from Comanche said.

The Senator said Farm Service Agency offices serve as vital links between family farmers and federal farming and rural development programs. It’s where farmers go to make application for federal farm loans and for information on conservation programs. Farmers depend on their local FSA

“Family farms are a vital part of Oklahoma’s economy and culture and I’m pleased the USDA has decided against putting an additional and unfair burden on those who are working hard to preserve Oklahoma’s rural way of life,” Lawler said.