FCS Diversity and Inclusion - PROPOSED RULE - MARCH 2011 Dear Mr. Van Meter,
I thank you very much for the opportunity to express my thoughts on ways that the FCS can better support small-mid-sized, local, and regional food producers.
For the sake of them remaining a strategically sound business, as well as for the health of our communities, I feel it a necessity for our local and regional producers to have defined financial backing. Pledging a minimum 10% investment from each institution's capital within five years is an appropriate investment goal. Increasing the number of local/regional producers to the FCS board, and creating an publicly visible outreach plan are also vital to help these businesses flourish.
Thank you again for your time. I appreciate your hearing my points of view and considering them strongly in future FCS negotiations.