The U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency has appointed five leaders in agriculture — Jacques Couture (pictured), John Klar, Mark D. Lourie, Diane C. McGarry and August T. Murray — to serve on its Vermont state committee.
Couture, of Westfield, is owner and operator of Coutoure's Maple Shop and Bed & Breakfast. He will serve as committee chair. Klar, of Brookfield, is an attorney and farmer. Lourie, of West Rupert, is a former dairy farmer and co‑founder of a farming operation that produces hay and corn. McGarry, of Enosburg, is co-owner and operator of McGarry Dairy. Murray, of Weathersfield, is operator of a small, diversified farm that produces crops and raises livestock.
“These individuals ... are held in high regard in the agriculture industry and are entrusted to ensure FSA programs are delivered in a manner consistent with federal farm policy and in the best interest of all agricultural producers in their state,” said FSA Administrator Bill Beam. “Their appointment to the FSA state committee is a testament to their standing in the industry and their dedication to the agriculture industry, rural America and President Trump’s America First, Farmers First policies.”