A Middleburgh man was chosen by President Barack Obama's administration to serve as the state director of the Farm Service Agency at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, according to a media release from the USDA.
James Barber was the owner and operator of a vegetable farm and greenhouse operation, Barber Family Farm, from 1990-2008. They are now run by his wife and nephew.
He was named to the post about a week ago, he said. He has served as the agricultural-promotion specialist and special assistant to the commissioner of the state Department of Agriculture and Markets since 2007. He starts in his position on Monday, he said.
The Farm Service Agency works to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural Americans, according to the release. Some of the agency's efforts include providing direct operating loans for farm equipment, seed and fertilizer, as well as rural housing loans to help people buy, build or rent housing.
It also administers and implements all the programs in the national Farm Bill, including commodity payment programs and the Milk Income Loss Contract, a safety-net program for dairy farmers.
"This is a great honor," Barber said Tuesday.
"Jim Barber has a solid understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our rural communities, and will help build on the Obama Administration's efforts to rebuild and revitalize rural America," said Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in a media release.
Barber said he will be representing the Obama administration, so he can't make an independent statement on any programs, including MILC.
But "anything that helps dairy farmers stay in business will help the rural economy," he said. He plans on being an "active advocate" for New York agriculture.
"We're pleased to have someone from this part of the state," said Bill Gibson, executive director of the Otsego and Delaware County FSA. Gibson said Barber has an appreciation for agriculture in this part of the state, and is more likely to be aware of the importance of the local FSA offices.
"I am going to be very visible," Barber said. He said he expects to be visiting with not only the staff in the various offices, but the committees that support the operations and farmers.
"Jim is an active Farm Bureau member from a venerable New York farm family," said Farm Bureau President Dean Norton. "His vast experience in the industry makes him well-suited to serve in this crucial role."
Patrick Hooker, state Department of Agriculture and Markets commissioner, said "(Barber's) knowledge of the industry and the services required of the USDA, as well as the challenges of doing business, will be extremely useful in his new position. We are pleased to have one of our own in his prestigious position, and I know Jim will be a fine advocate and leader for New York farmers."
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