PROVIDENCE, RI -- In response to inquiries regarding federally appointed positions in Rhode Island, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse today outlined the process for ensuring there are highly-qualified applicants for the position of executive director of the state Farm Service Agency (FSA) office.

All interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Senator Reed's office (1000 Chapel View Boulevard, Suite 290, Cranston, RI 02920) by January 26, 2009. The goal is to identify highly-qualified and experienced candidates for this important federal post who will serve the people of Rhode Island with professionalism, integrity, and distinction.

The FSA state director administers federal farm programs that help Rhode Island's agricultural producers remain economically viable, including farm commodity, credit, conservation, disaster, and loan programs.

It is customary for the President to ask U.S. Senators for recommendations for appointments in their state, although ultimately it is the President's responsibility to nominate a candidate who must then be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.