Mayo, FL - February 2, 2012 --

"Whoever it is in Washington that can fly like a crow, they will come here and demonstrate us"

Farmers voice their concern about the wording of a proposal by the USDA that would close the Lafayette/Taylor county Farm Service Agency and send those employees to the agency in Live Oak.

The proposal says that the agency in Lafayette is "within 20 miles as the crow flies" as they say of Live Oak's office, so it's eligible for consolidation.

Florida FSA Executive Director Tim Manning moderated the meeting, and went in to greater detail

Tim Manning//Florida FSA Executive Director
"The criteria is within 20 miles a Lucindo (sp?) which is a straight rule measure of another office, and they have two or less employees"

Lafayette county is one of the five counties in Florida that are included in the consolidation proposal. Many in attendance said that the Live Oak Office is actually 24 miles away, not 20. Others, like Cecilia Koon told us that the farmers could be adding to another county's economy and taking the money away from their own. Manning said he understands the concerns.

Manning says, "The farmers and the business leaders are very passionate about keeping FSA, because of the programs we administer in the community, and keeping that dollar here locally"

For now, residents just hope their voices are heard.

Agricultural Secretary Vilsack has April to decide if they'll consolidate the agencies.