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FSA struggling to keep up with MFP2 applications

Farm Service Agency offices are having trouble keeping up with Market Facilitation Program applications. 

Southwest Minnesota farmer Bob Worth says he’s been trying to get the ball rolling on MFP2 signup.

“In our county, I’ve called a couple times trying to make an appointment. (FSA staff said) ‘No, we’ve got software problems.”

The Benton County farmer says he understands there are going to be issues with the program, especially since it’s different from the first round of trade aid.

“I’m okay (because) I did not gain any acres (between 2018 and 2019, but my son did. So he’s going to have an issue and we’re already aware of that.”

Brownfield interviewed Worth during Minnesota Farmfest earlier this week. That was the site of a listening session that featured U.S. Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue.

Two local FSA employees told the Secretary staffing shortages combined with implementation of the new farm bill, MFP, and disaster aid payments are undermining customer service.

“Undersecretary Northey and I are talking about that on an ongoing basis, as well as our HR people in that way. So I appreciate your input. It frustrates me as well not having enough people to serve our customers.”

Perdue says one of the hangups is the process of on-boarding new employees.

Bob Worth audio:

Farmfest listening session FSA staff question with Sec. Perdue: