FCS Diversity and Inclusion - PROPOSED RULE - MARCH 2011 Dear Mr. Van Meter,
I think it is important that FCS adapt to the changing needs of our communities and thank you for this opportunity to comment on how the FCS can better serve small and midsized, local and regional food producers.
As you work to diversify the FCS loan portfolio and marketing plans, I think it is important that you include a provision that each FCS institution create a baseline analysis of producers who meet the farm bill definition of local and regional food producers by number of borrowers, by loan volume, and other key characteristics.
Please also include an investment goal for local and regional food producers of not less than 10% of each institution’s capital within 5 years.
Finally, it is important that you include a commitment to adding local and regional food producers to the FCS board.
Thank you for this opportunity to share and comment on this rule.