Blumenthal, Murphy and Courtney Announce Appointment of State Rep. Bryan Hurlburt as Farm Service Agency Executive Director

Press Release

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and U.S. Congressman Joe Courtney (D-2) announced today the appointment of State Representative Bryan Hurlburt (D-53) as Farm Service Agency State Executive Director. Hurlburt was appointed by President Obama. He was recommended by Senators Blumenthal and Murphy and Congressman Courtney after an interview process coordinated by Senator Blumenthal's office with state agricultural leaders.
Hurlburt currently represents the towns of Ashford, Tolland and Willington. He is widely respected as a rising leader within the state's agricultural community. Hurlburt is expected to resign his position as State Representative on April 19 and begin his new role on April 22.

The United States Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency has offices in all 50 states that coordinate the dispensing of grants and loans to state agricultural businesses and the dissemination of information on the USDA's agricultural policies. Connecticut's office is located in Tolland.

"I am very thankful for the support and confidence of Senators Blumenthal and Murphy, along with Congressman Courtney and the FSA Search Committee. As a state representative, I have focused efforts to grow and expand the agricultural opportunities in our state and am looking forward to continuing those efforts in this new role. I am very excited to begin working with the dedicated employees of the FSA to make sure people know about these programs and have the opportunity to grow jobs in the agricultural economy in our state," Hurlburt said.

"Bryan's experience representing the farming communities of Ashford, Tolland and Willington in the state legislature will be an immeasurable asset in his new role as farm Service Agency State Executive Director. Bryan was widely recommended as the most qualified and capable candidate for the position and I am confident he will be a strong and effective advocate for Connecticut farmers," said Senator Blumenthal.

"Bryan has been a champion for Connecticut's agricultural community for years -- especially the state's dairy industry. His strong resume and passion for the community makes him uniquely qualified to become the state's next FSA Executive Director and I'm thrilled he'll be taking on this role next week. I look forward to working with Bryan in his new position, and helping him grow Connecticut's agricultural economy with the rest of Connecticut's Congressional delegation," said Senator Murphy.

"In 2009, when dairy prices crashed to historic lows, Bryan's leadership enacting an emergency dairy subsidy literally rescued Connecticut's dairy industry from extinction," said Congressman Courtney. "His proven record and knowledge of Connecticut agriculture make him uniquely well suited for the mission of the FSA office."

"I have had the good fortune of working alongside Representative Hurlburt and farmers on many issues critical to the viability of local farms and growing Connecticut agriculture. His energy and dedication have made a positive difference and make him an excellent choice for this important position," said Connecticut Department of Agriculture Commissioner and search committee member Stephen Reviczky.

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