Farmers and other agricultural producers can nominate representatives to the Farm Service Agency county committees.
Each county annually alternates election of Local Administrative Area (LAA) representatives. The county committee makes decisions on commodity price support loans, conservation programs, disaster assistance and other USDA program and agricultural issues.
Marsha Jetté, state executive director, encourages eligible candidates to submit a nomination form to the local county office no later than Aug. 1. To be a county committee member you must participate in programs with FSA, be eligible to vote in a county committee election and reside in the LAA where elections are taking place.
Individuals may nominate themselves or others as candidates. Organizations representing minorities and women may also nominate candidates. Nominees must sign form FSA-669A, which includes a statement that the nominee agrees to serve if elected.
Forms for the 2011 election must be postmarked or received in the local USDA Service Center by close of business on Aug. 1, 2011. Ballots are mailed to eligible voters by Nov. 4. Newly elected county committee members take office Jan. 2, 2012.
For information, visit a local USDA Service Center or online at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=newsroom&subject=landing&topic=cce.
