BANGOR — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue recently announced that Nancy Ricker of Turner will serve on the Maine USDA Farm Service Agency state committee.

The committee is responsible for the oversight of farm programs and county committee operations, resolving appeals from the agriculture community and helping to keep producers informed about agency programs.

The agency serves farmers, ranchers and agricultural partners through the delivery of effective, efficient agricultural programs. The agency offers farmers a strong safety net through the administration of farm commodity and disaster programs.

The agency continues to conserve natural resources and also provides credit to agricultural producers who are unable to receive private, commercial credit, including special emphasis on beginning, underserved and women farmers and ranchers.