FSA Administrator Juan M. Garcia
(From FSA blog) FSA Administrator Juan Garcia is retiring after 38 years of service with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “I complete this book that I have thoroughly enjoyed, a very good book of my many chapters here at USDA, a book that comes to a close with my decision to retire,” said Garcia in a message to FSA employees. “It is with the highest honor that I hand over this baton, skillfully passed to me by my predecessors, to a new successor, so that our relay race of teamwork continues towards that next sunrise.” Garcia will remain in his position until a successor is chosen. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack commented on Garcia’s retirement saying “Juan’s hard work and sound leadership have helped to create new opportunities and achieve RECORD results for America’s farmers and ranchers.” Since taking office in 2012, Garcia led the way for disaster assistance programs to be pushed out in record time, providing more than $1 billion in relief to farmers and ranchers devastated by natural disasters. His signature microloan program, which debuted in 2013, has provided more than $150 million in credit to small farmers and ranchers. As Garcia starts his new chapter, the work at FSA continues to move forward. “Farming and ranching never stands still, and neither does FSA,” said Garcia.