WASHINGTON, Feb. 16 - The Obama Administration today announced the individuals who will serve on the Alaska Farm Service Agency State Committee. The State Committee members will oversee the activities of the agency, including carrying out the state agricultural conservation programs, resolving appeals from the agriculture community and helping to keep producers informed about FSA programs

"These individuals will work with USDA to help farmers and ranchers build and maintain successful operations that produce the safe, nutritious food supply that America needs while spurring economic development in our nation's rural communities," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "They bring the experience and passion necessary to help continue the Obama Administration's efforts to rebuild and revitalize rural America."

The individuals appointed to serve on this committee include:

Keyes recently served as President of the Mat-Su Chapter of the Alaska Farm Bureau. He started farming in 2002 and eventually created his own company, Glacier Valley Farms. Keyes' policy experience includes serving on the Palmer Soil and Water Conservation District Board. He is actively involved in his community, and founded the South Anchorage Farmers Market.

Willsrud, from Ester, Alaska, co-manages a three acre organic farm and education center in her hometown. She has been instrumental in starting a number of school gardens in the Fairbanks area. In the 1990s, she worked as a research assistant, studying plant communities, at the University of Alaska in Fairbanks. Willsrud has a Masters degree in Natural Resources Management from the University of Alaska and a B.A degree in Zoology from the University of California, Davis.

USDA's Farm Services Agency works to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural Americans. Some of the agency's efforts include facilitating income support, disaster assistance and conservation programs, providing operating loans for the procurement of farm equipment, seed and fertilizer, as well as offering ownership loans to help new and veteran producers purchase a farm. FSA also works to procure various commodities to benefit low-income families through domestic food assistance programs.

The USDA provides leadership on food, agriculture and natural resources and touches the life of every American. Reflecting President Obama's commitment to expanding economic opportunities in rural America, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and the USDA are working to enhance availability of broadband, promote the development of renewable energy, to conserve, maintain and improve our natural resources and environment, and promote a sustainable, safe, sufficient and nutritious food supply.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).