FCS Diversity and Inclusion - PROPOSED RULE - MARCH 2011
Dear Mr. Van Meter:
As a consumer, food scientist and devoted advocate of sustainable food systems, I'm writing to encourage the Farm Credit Administration (FCA) to provide much-needed capital to the farmers who produce good food for local and regional markets here in Chicago, the Midwest and beyond. I support your efforts to diversify the FCS loan portfolio and suggest that in defining what needs to be included in FCS marketing plans, you include:
1. A plan for conducting outreach to local and regional food producers,
2. A requirement that such an outreach plan and periodic progress reports be made public, and
3. A commitment to adding local and regional food producers to the FCS board.
All three of these items will likely enhance transparency and collaborative governance in the FCS, which will ultimately accelerate the development of more financially sound food systems. All food consumers will be the grateful beneficiaries of this enhancement.