The USDA announced key presidential appointments to the Farm Production and Conservation, also known as the FPAC, mission area.
According to USDA, they will help implement President Donald Trump’s America’s First agenda to ensure producers have the necessary resources.
The newly appointed leaders:
Brooke Appleton Appointed as Deputy Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation
She served as Vice President of Public Policy for the National Corn Growers Association, where she oversaw advocacy for policy affecting corn farmers nationwide. She also served as the Chief of Staff to the Deputy Secretary at USDA during the first Trump Administration.
Andrew Fisher Appointed as Chief of Staff for Farm Production and Conservation
He served as a Legislative Assistant for U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and previously held the same position for U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO). He also grew up on a farrow to wean hog operation.
Aubrey Bettencourt Appointed as Chief of the Natural Resource Conservation Service
She served as the Global Director of Government Relations and External Affairs for Netafim, an Orbia Company. Previously, she served as President and CEO of the Almond Alliance and Deputy Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of the Interior in the first Trump Administration.
Bill Beam Appointed as Administrator for the Farm Service Agency
He has served on boards and committees including the Pennsylvania Soybean Board, United Soybean Board, United States Soybean Export Council, Rural Investment to Protect Our Environment, and Tel Hai Board. He formerly served as Deputy Administrator of Farm Programs for FSA in the first Trump Administration.
Pat Swanson Appointed as Administrator for the Risk Management Agency
Pat has served as a director for the American Soybean Association (ASA) and completed her term on the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Board. She and her husband also help farmers in southeastern Iowa manage risk through crop, forage, pasture, and livestock insurance.
Colton Buckley Appointed as Chief of Staff for Natural Resources Conservation Service
He served as the CEO of the National Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils. Previously, he was appointed to the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents by Governor Rick Perry, the Texas Commissioner of Agriculture’s Advisory Council, and the Workforce.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins welcomed the news and the new leaders, saying the organization is vital for America’s farmers and ranchers.
“FPAC is the most farmer-facing mission area at USDA, housing the Farm Service Agency, the Risk Management Agency, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service—agencies producers rely on every day. Following this week’s $10 billion economic assistance announcement, these appointees will help ensure that support gets to farmers and ranchers without bureaucratic delays. Strong leadership in FPAC means real results, less red tape, and a USDA that works for those who feed, fuel, and clothe America. I’m proud to welcome these new leaders who will champion our farmers and rural communities.”
Story via USDA Press Release
