The Biden administration appointed Benancio Cano Jr. as the new state executive director in Texas for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA).
Cano has worked for FSA for over 25 years. He began his FSA career in October 1994 as a county operations trainer. In 1995, he served as the Starr County CED until 2002 when he became the district director for the southern area of Texas. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing 14 county offices and two farm loan offices.
Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) supported Cano’s nomination for the position.
“Texas Farm Bureau is pleased that President Joe Biden has appointed Benancio Cano Jr. as the next U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director for Texas,” TFB President Boening said. “Mr. Cano has nearly 30 years of experience with FSA, and he knows the importance of the agency and the administration of its programs for Texas farmers and ranchers. We look forward to working with Mr. Cano and the FSA State Committee as federal agricultural policy is implemented in our state.”
FSA state executive directors oversee FSA operations and agricultural policy implementation in the state. Each state executive director works with the state committee to administer FSA programs and county office operations, develops and maintains stakeholder relationships with customers and other agencies and governments.
FSA serves farmers, ranchers and agricultural partners through the delivery of effective and efficient agricultural programs. The agency offers farmers a strong safety net through the administration of farm commodity and disaster programs. FSA continues to conserve natural resources and also provides credit to farmers and ranchers who are unable to receive private, commercial credit.
He and his wife, Sonia, have three children and a registered cattle operation. They enjoy volunteering in several organizations that help youth in agriculture.