FCS Diversity and Inclusion - PROPOSED RULE - MARCH 2011 Dear Mr. Van Meter, Please direct Farm Credit System lending associations to be more responsive to the credit needs of small and mid-sized farmers and ranchers producing for local and regional food markets. I believe small farms can provide jobs, better quality food for schools, hospitals and for myself as a consumer. Don't let the U.S. go the way of Holland and make farming unaffordable for all but the very richest. Smaller farms contribute to a genetically diverse food supply, protecting from pathogens or climate change. They create green jobs, conservation of natural resources, and add to the beauty of this nation. They are increasingly part of the tourism industry as well. The recent food toxins have all been traced to mega-farms. Their very size makes it harder to assess all risk to our food security. Thank you for your service in this public position.
Robin Ayars
Wild & Wooly Farm, LLC
Covington, VA
Robin Ayars 7112 Potts Creek Road 7112 Potts Creek Road Covington, VA 24426