It shall be the duty of the regional coordinator of each regional office to locate within his region qualified professionals to provide professional services to farmers participating in the program, including but not limited to professionals in the fields of agriculture, finance and accounting, law, farm planning, vocational training and social services. The regional coordinator shall certify to the commission that the professionals selected for providing services under the program had agreed or would agree with the commission to provide services to farmers participating in the program on a noncost basis or at a reduced cost from that normally prevailing. These professionals shall be compensated by the commission for their services at such levels of compensation and rates as shall be recommended by the program coordinator and approved by the commission. The regional coordinator shall make available to any farmer or farm family member seeking assistance under the program the names of qualified and certified professionals who have agreed to provide services with respect to the program in order to assist these individuals with the management of their individual financial and career situation. Where requested, the regional coordinator shall assist each individual farmer or farm family and the professionals consulted in order to provide a comprehensive review of each participant's case in an attempt to evolve a solution to each farmer's particular problems. The regional coordinator shall also maintain a publicity program in the district so that farmers and farm families needing assistance under the program will know how and where to obtain it, shall prepare referrals and the requisite reports for the commission and file all reports as required and requested by the program coordinator of the commission. In addition, the regional coordinator shall maintain liaison and contacts with all agriculture-related state and federal agencies and organizations within his district and attempt to implement coordinated assistance programs wherever possible.
Last modified: May 3, 2021