FCS Diversity and Inclusion - PROPOSED RULE - MARCH 2011 Dear Mr. Van Meter,
I live in a small community an hour or more from any major city and am very pleased that we now have a weekly market where we can buy fresh produce, eggs, meats and other locally made products. I also am now member of a CSA serving our area. Having access to healthier choices is very important to me, my family and my neighbors. I want to make sure our local farmers and ranchers have the resources they need to succeed and to continue to grow the local food economy.
Therefore I am very much in support of the proposed rule that would direct Farm Credit System lending associations to be more open and responsive to the credit needs of our small and mid-sized farmers and ranchers. Please consider • An investment goal for local and regional food producers of not less than 10% of each institution’s capital within 5 years. • A plan for outreach to local and regional food producers and a requirement that such an outreach plan with periodic progress reports be made public. • A commitment to add local and regional food producers to the FCS board. • A plan for developing lending and business support products with terms and benefits appropriate for local and regional food producers. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to comment and for your support of our small farmers and ranchers who work so hard to bring healthier food to our community. Sincerely, Debbie McCown
debbie mccown 120 Juniper Court Eatonton, GA 31024