Biden Administration Appoints Eric Scherer to Serve as State Executive Director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Rhode Island

Contact:

FPAC.BC.Press@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, April 27, 2022— The Biden Administration recently appointed Eric Scherer as the new State Executive Director (SED) for the USDA Rhode Island Farm Service Agency (FSA). Scherer joined the Rhode Island FSA team on April 25, 2022.

“Individuals selected to serve as FSA State Executive Directors are incredible public servants who have a proven track record when it comes to their commitment to advance their states and communities,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Each will serve on the frontlines, carrying out USDA’s mission at the state level and ensuring the voice of each and every USDA customer is heard. We are fortunate to have each of these talented individuals at this critical time for farmers and producers and rural communities across America.”

Scherer was recently a technical consultant to the public and private sector on natural resource issues, including land use and environmental impact. As a certified USDA Technical Service Provider and USDA Certified Conservation Planner, he also assisted agricultural producers on comprehensive nutrient management plans and grazing management plan for USDA program participation and the Rhode Island Farm, Forest and Open Space program, developing Conservation Farm Plans for individuals.

Scherer served as the Executive Director of the Southern Rhode Island Conservation District, where he provided program leadership for the Conservation District programs that assisted private landowners, municipalities and state government, conservation partners, and others with an interest in conserving and protecting natural resources. Scherer serves as an advisor to the Rhode Island State Conservation Committee and is currently working on the first statewide operational guide for the Committee and conservation districts. Scherer’s past work experience includes 37 years of federal service that began with a tour of duty with the Peace Corps in Belize and has included working for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in six states in various positions. Scherer enjoys living in the beautiful state of Rhode Island with his wife, Linda, of 38 years, sharing time with his three children and four grandchildren, and is still “learning” the game of golf.

As SED, Scherer on will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of FSA programs to agricultural producers in Rhode Island.  These commodity, conservation, credit, and disaster assistance programs ensure a safe, affordable, abundant, and nutritious food, fiber, and fuel supply for consumers.

“The State Executive Director is a pivotal leadership position for the Agency and for the agricultural producers we serve,” said Marcus Graham, FSA Deputy Administrator for Field Operations.  “These leaders, appointed by the Biden-Harris Administration, bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to their respective states. We are happy to have them on board and wish them much success.”

Farm Service Agency serves farmers, ranchers, foresters, and agricultural partners through the effective, efficient, and equitable delivery of federal agricultural programs. The Agency offers producers a strong safety net through the administration of farm commodity and disaster programs. Additionally, through conservation programs, FSA continues to preserve and protect natural resources and provides credit to agricultural producers who are unable to receive private, commercial credit, including targeted loan funds for beginning, underserved, women and military veterans involved in production agriculture.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov.