The U.S. Department of Agriculture has proposed to close down three Farm Security Administration offices in Appanoose, Decatur and Union counties. 

It is planning to cut back on spending while still providing excellent service to its customers.

The possible closings are part of the USDA’s plan to adjust to the reduced operating and program budget and the 2012 farm bill, said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Last week, Vilsack announced the USDA’s Blueprint for Stronger Service, which is proposing to close 131 county offices in 32 states, including three in Iowa.

Vilsack said in the last two years, Congress has reduced the USDA’s operating budget by about 12 percent, which is around $3 billion.

The plan is not permanent yet. The FSA has 30 days to hold public meetings in each county.

If the proposed locations close, farmers who are assigned to those offices can still receive service by going to neighboring county offices or can receive instant online service by signing up for the Direct and Counter Cyclical Program online starting Monday. In 2013, all programs will be available online for farmers to sign up.

For the public to express any comments or concerns, the FSA’s public meetings will be the only opportunity available. The public may also comment by emailing [email protected] or sending a written comment to John R. Whitaker, state executive director for Iowa FSA, by Feb. 9.

All public comments will be taken into full consideration before development or implementation of a final consolidation plan. For more information, contact the Iowa Farm Service Agency at 515-254-1540.

Whitaker and members of FAS management have public meetings set up in the three counties.

• Appanoose County on Jan. 31 at 1 p.m. at the Faith United Methodist Church of Centerville in Centerville.

• Decatur County on Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. in the Pioneer Hall Building on the Decatur County Fairgrounds in Leon.

• Union County on Feb. 2 at 1 p.m. in Instructional Center Room No. 220 on the Southwestern Community College Campus in Creston.