The Trump Administration recently appointed David McCurdy as the new State Executive Director (SED) for the USDA Alabama Farm Service Agency (FSA). McCurdy began his new position on Dec. 11.

McCurdy has worked for FSA for the past 30 years and most recently as a district director. As district director, he provided oversight for 10 FSA offices covering 19 counties in eastern Alabama. McCurdy has previously served as county executive director for Chilton, Elmore, and the Elmore/Montgomery/Tallapoosa/Coosa County FSA offices. He holds a bachelor’s degree in animal dairy science from Auburn University.

The Farm Service Agency serves farmers, ranchers and agricultural partners through the delivery of effective, efficient agricultural programs. The agency offers farmers a strong safety net through the administration of farm commodity and disaster programs. FSA continues to conserve natural resources and also provides credit to agricultural producers who are unable to receive private, commercial credit, including special emphasis on beginning, underserved and women farmers and ranchers.

Under the direction of Secretary Sonny Perdue, the USDA will always be facts-based and data-driven, with a decision-making mindset that is customer-focused. Secretary Perdue leads the USDA with four guiding principles: to maximize the ability of American agriculture to create jobs, sell foods and fiber, and feed and clothe the world; to prioritize customer service for the taxpayers; to ensure that our food supply is safe and secure; and to maintain good stewardship of the natural resources that provide us with our miraculous bounty. And understanding that we live in a global economy where trade is of top importance, Secretary Perdue has pledged to be an unapologetic advocate for American agriculture.

As SED, McCurdy will use his leadership experience to oversee FSA programs in a customer-focused manner to ensure a safe, affordable, abundant and nutritious food supply for consumers.