WASHINGTON -- United States Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., today announced that Willie Cooper will serve as Louisiana State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

"Willie Cooper's leadership during the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita to bring relief to Louisiana was critical to our recovery efforts," said Sen. Landrieu. "We are all very grateful for his assistance to Louisiana farmers and his work to help them recover from the hurricane damage. His expertise in his field and dedication to the State make him exceptionally qualified for this position and we are looking forward to the work he will continue to do as our State Executive Director."

Willie Cooper has served as the State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency/Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service since 1972. In all, he has served over 50 years in numerous capacities with the USDA in Louisiana. He has worked on Katrina relief, and has won numerous awards as a USDA employee. Cooper is a Veteran of the U.S. Army and graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a degree in Agriculture.

USDA's Farm Service Agency works to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural Americans. Some of the agency's efforts include facilitating income support, disaster assistance and conservation programs, providing operating loans for the procurement of farm equipment, seed and fertilizer, as well as offering ownership loans to help new and veteran producers purchase a farm. FSA also works to procure various commodities to benefit low-income families through domestic food assistance programs.