NASCOE has always been a strong supporter of the Farmer Elected County Committee System.  We believe this is the greatest form of federal government program oversite and implementation that exist.  Likewise, NASCOE fully supports the belief that all USDA programs should be administered fairly and equitably to all customers.  There is no place for discrimination of any kind within the Farm Service Agency.  Unfortunately, there have been instances of discrimination throughout the history of our Country.
The administration established the Equity Commission to find ways to remove barriers that still exist which might prevent certain groups from fully participating in the full array of programs and services that USDA has to offer
NASCOE has been monitoring the meetings of the Equity Commission to keep abreast of the proceeding and to offer assistance in support of their mission.  While we agree with some of their findings, we have found significant inaccuracies in what some commission members believe has historically been the role of the Elected County Committee.  The Commission appears ready to recommend that the Elected FSA County Committee System should be eliminated based on these incorrect assumptions. 
NASCOE Leaders have submitted the attached letter in response to this potential recommendation.  We feel that it is important for our membership to be aware of this issue and to take every opportunity to educate others on the true roles and responsibilities of our Elected County Committees.  Please take a moment to review NASCOE’s response to this very important issue.