U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue has announced the appointment of Richard Fordyce to serve as Administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA). In his role, Fordyce will provide leadership for FSA and its mission to support agricultural production across America through a network of over 2,100 county and 50 state offices.
“As a fourth-generation farmer, Richard brings firsthand knowledge and experience to this role,” Secretary Sonny Perdue said. “I am confident that he will continue to help USDA become the most efficient, effective customer focused agency in the federal government as he leads this customer focused mission area.”
Richard Fordyce most recently served as State Executive Director for FSA in Missouri. Prior to his appointment by the Trump Administration, Fordyce served as the director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture from 2013 to 2017. He recently finished an 11-year term on the United Soybean Board and has served as chair of Missouri’s Soil & Water Districts Commission from 2005 to 2013. In 2015, Fordyce was awarded the Missouri Farm Bureau Distinguished Service Award and the Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow Alumnus of the Year. In 1995, Fordyce served as Young Farmers Chairman for the American Farm Bureau. He and his wife, Renee, operate a row crop and commercial cattle operation in Bethany, Missouri.
The Farm Service Agency serves farmers, ranchers, and agricultural partners through the delivery of effective, efficient agricultural programs. The agency offers farmers a strong safety net through the administration of farm commodity and disaster programs. FSA continues to conserve natural resources and also provides credit to agricultural producers who are unable to receive private, commercial credit, including special emphasis on beginning, underserved, and women farmers and ranchers.
As Administrator, Fordyce will use his leadership experience to oversee FSA programs in a customer-focused manner to ensure a safe, affordable, abundant, and nutritious food supply for consumers.
