According to the notification received by one FSA employee, limited services include the following programs which are part of the 2014 Farm Bill.
In addition, staff can work on AGIs, reconstitutions and other documentation that supports the above programs, as well as administrative functions essential to keeping the office open and helping customers.
USDA officials have not responded to multiple requests for comments and clarification.
The good news for young and beginning farmers is that this will allow the quicker release of income checks. One county executive director told AgWeb.com that staff in the offices will be able to "track down" permission to release loan checks, even if loan staff are not called in to work. However, FSA will most likely not be able to process new loans, a situation that continues to prove challenging for farmers.
In addition, FSA loan staff are working today as part of the three days of limited service Agriculture Secretary Sonny Purdue authorized last week.