| FEBRUARY 5, 2010 -- The Obama Administration recently announced the individuals who will serve on the Connecticut Farm Service Agency State Committee. The State Committee members will oversee the activities of the agency, including carrying out the state agricultural conservation programs, resolving appeals from the agriculture community and helping to keep producers informed about FSA programs.
"These individuals will work with USDA to help farmers and ranchers build and maintain successful operations that produce the safe, nutritious food supply that America needs while spurring economic development in our nation's rural communities," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "They bring the experience and passion necessary to help continue the Obama Administration's efforts to rebuild and revitalize rural America."
The individuals appointed to serve on this committee include:
Vincent Malerba (Chairperson)
For 34 years, Malerba has owned and operated Malerba Farms in Norwich, Connecticut, where he produces 80 acres of vegetables and bedding plants. He has served for 11 years on the New London FSA Committee and also participates in the New London County 4-H Foundation.
Nelson Cecarelli
Cecarelli manages a 140 acre vegetable farm in Northford, Connecticut. Before turning to farming full time, Cecarelli owned and operated an insurance agency specializing in the needs of farmers and agribusinesses. Cecarelli is also a current member of the New Haven/Middlesex County FSA Committee.
Gary Crump
Crump and his wife own and manage Priam Vineyards & Winery in Colchester, Connecticut. A self-taught winemaker, Crum has received international acclaim, winning 54 international wine competition medals. Crump is also a member of the Connecticut Vineyard and Winery Association.
Theresa Freund
Freund owns Freund's Farm Market and Bakery in East Canaan, Connecticut, where she grows and harvests 700 hydroponic tomatoes as well as eight acres of vegetables and seasonal annuals and perennials. Freund also serves as a representative to the Connecticut Agricultural Education Foundation and the Connecticut Farm Bureau Association, and is a member of Riverton Grange No. 169.
Stephen Jarmoc
Jarmoc, from Enfield, Connecticut, owns and operates his own farm in Enfield. In 1991, Jarmoc was named Connecticut's Most Outstanding Farmer. Jarmoc served as a Connecticut State Lawmaker from 1992 to 2007. Jarmoc has an MBA from Western New England College and a B.S. degree in Agronomy from the University of Connecticut.
USDA's Farm Services Agency works to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural Americans. Some of the agency's efforts include facilitating income support, disaster assistance and conservation programs, providing operating loans for the procurement of farm equipment, seed and fertilizer, as well as offering ownership loans to help new and veteran producers purchase a farm. FSA also works to procure various commodities to benefit low-income families through domestic food assistance programs.
The USDA provides leadership on food, agriculture and natural resources and touches the life of every American. Reflecting President Obama's commitment to expanding economic opportunities in rural America, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and the USDA are working to enhance availability of broadband, promote the development of renewable energy, to conserve, maintain and improve our natural resources and environment, and promote a sustainable, safe, sufficient and nutritious food supply.
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