WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ohio native Larry J. Adams has been appointed deputy administrator for commodity operations for the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA).

“For the past several years, Larry’s agricultural expertise has played a vital role in managing and administering FSA programs,” said FSA Administrator Teresa Lasseter.

The deputy administrator for commodity operations is responsible for developing policies and regulations for the dairy price support program; the storage, handling and disposition of Commodity Credit Corporation’s owned commodities; and for the export and domestic commodity donation programs.

“Larry Adams knows how to administer farm programs efficiently and effectively,” said Lasseter. “He brings a wealth of experience and insight from the state level to FSA’s national office.”

Prior to this appointment, Adams was the assistant deputy administrator for farm programs for FSA. He worked with various agency staff on commodity price support activities, conservation and environmental programs, and emergency assistance efforts, such as the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program and county disaster declarations.

A fourth-generation farmer, Adams grew up on a 500-acre farm near LaRue, Ohio, where he still maintains a farm. He studied at The Ohio State University and Marion Technical College.

He is a second-generation pilot and has been flying for more than 35 years. Adams is married and has two children and three grandchildren. In 2001, Adams was appointed state executive director (SED) for the Ohio Farm Service Agency where he served five years administering FSA commodity, conservation and farm loan programs.

From 1991-2001, Adams was the assistant director for the Ohio Department of Agriculture. He developed statewide agriculture policies, farmland preservation and other regulatory enforcement programs.

Elected to the Ohio House of Representatives for the 86th House District in 1986, Adams served two terms. While in the Ohio House, he served on the Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Economic Affairs and Federal Relations, the Economic and Development and the Public Utilities committees.

Adams also served two terms as Marion County commissioner from 1979-86 and from 1975-78 as Marion Township clerk. He also worked 18 years for the Whirlpool Corporation, Marion Division, in Ohio.