NACD Applauds Senate Confirmation of Richard Fordyce as USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation

The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) applauds the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Richard Fordyce to serve as Under Secretary for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) Mission Area. The FPAC Mission Area encompasses key USDA agencies, including the Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and Risk Management Agency (RMA)—all essential to the delivery of conservation, farm loans, crop insurance, disaster assistance, and other key programs.

“NACD looks forward to collaborating with Mr. Fordyce to ensure that producers have the tools and resources needed to keep their operations productive and resilient, while helping them be good stewards of the land,” said NACD President Gary Blair. “By strengthening program delivery and building field capacity, we can continue to advance voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs that work for producers and protects our natural resources.”

A fourth-generation farmer from Missouri, Fordyce has devoted his career to advancing American agriculture. As Administrator of USDA’s Farm Service Agency, Director of Missouri’s Department of Agriculture, and Chair of the Missouri State Soil and Water Districts Commission, he has worked alongside conservation districts and other agricultural partners to ensure that programs are practical for farmers and safeguard soil, water, and working lands.

“In Missouri, Mr. Fordyce consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of locally led conservation,” said NACD Second Vice President Ryan Britt. “There are no one-size-fits all solutions – each landscape is unique and those working the land are central to shaping effective solutions. That experience and perspective will serve USDA and producers across the country well.”

In March, NACD led over 100 agricultural, conservation, and crop insurance organizations in a letter supporting Mr. Fordyce’s nomination. The coalition emphasized the importance of experienced and steady leadership at FPAC to guide Farm Bill implementation, strengthen agricultural resilience, and respond to rising pressures on the agricultural economy.

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