WASHINGTON, June 30, 2009 – The Obama Administration today announced that Adrian Polansky will serve as Kansas State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency at the USDA.

"Adrian Polansky has a solid understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our rural communities and will help build on the Obama Administration's efforts to rebuild and revitalize rural America," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

Polansky has served as the Secretary of Agriculture for the State of Kansas since 2003 and is the owner of a 1900-acre family farm and wholesale farm seed company. From 1993-2001, he served as the Kansas State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency. He is a recognized leader on agricultural issues and has been actively engaged with many national and local agricultural organizations for over 30 years, including his current position as President of the Food Export Association of the Midwest, and as Secretary-Treasurer at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA). In 1999 Polansky was honored by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture for his efforts in implementing disaster assistance. He also received a USDA Distinguished Service Award for outstanding leadership and management during his tenure as State Executive Director. Polansky has a bachelor's degree in agronomy from Kansas State University.

The Farm Services Agency works to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural Americans. Some of the agency's efforts include providing direct operating loans for farm equipment, seed and fertilizer, as well as rural housing loans to help rural people buy, build or rent housing. FSA also procures various commodities to benefit low-income families through domestic food assistance programs. At the same time, the agency creates jobs by funding the growth and creation of rural businesses and cooperatives.

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.