WASHINGTON, June 29, 2008- The Obama Administration today announced that William Donald Clifton II will serve as Delaware State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency at the USDA.
“William Donald Clifton has a solid understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our rural communities and will help build on the Obama Administration’s efforts to rebuild and revitalize rural America,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
Clifton is the President of Farmers First Services Inc. (FFS), an agricultural consulting business, and his family farm, Clifton Farms Inc. At FFS, Clifton works on crop insurance policies and develops outreach strategies. His previous work with USDA includes a term as State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency in Delaware (1993-2001). During this time, Clifton improved farm program delivery and established a state leadership program. He also served as USDA’s Communication Director for the National Food and Agriculture Council. Clifton has served on state economic councils and is an active member of the Delaware Farm Bureau. Clifton has also served as National Board of Directors of the National Corn Growers Association. His family has farmed in Delaware for over 80 years.
The Farm Services Agency works to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural Americans. Some of the agency’s efforts include providing direct operating loans for farm equipment, seed and fertilizer, as well as rural housing loans to help rural people buy, build or rent housing. FSA also procures various commodities to benefit low-income families through domestic food assistance programs. At the same time, the agency creates jobs by funding the growth and creation of rural businesses and cooperatives.
The USDA provides leadership on food, agriculture and natural resources and touches the life of every American. Reflecting President Obama’s commitment to expanding economic opportunities in rural America, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and the USDA are working to enhance availability of broadband, promote the development of renewable energy, to conserve, maintain and improve our natural resources and environment, and promote a sustainable, safe, sufficient and nutritious food supply.
