For Farm Service Agency issues

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.

Hebron Farmer's Market Holiday Edition

The Hebron Farmer’s Market Holiday Special Edition is Saturday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The market will be held in the parish hall of First Congregational Church at the junction of Routes 66 and 85.

For details visit www.hebronfarmersmarket.com.

Rich Resource For Sustainable Agriculture

Feed the soil and it will feed you and your family, the community and beyond. Good practices in growing and managing what grows around you can impact drinking water, natural resources and long term health.

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) offers competitive grants for innovative projects that explore new approaches to agriculture that is profitable, environmentally sound, and good for communities.

SARE is a national effort funded by USDA, and the Northeast SARE region is made up of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

Grants are offered to eligible farmers, researchers, educators and others in the agricultural community who are working on innovative and interesting approaches to sustainable agriculture.

For more information, visit the Web site or call (802) 656-0471.

Holiday Hebron Farmers Market , Nov. 21

The farmers and artisans of the Hebron Farmer's Market host an inside holiday market Saturday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the parish hall of First Congregational Church, located at the junction of Routes 66 and 85.


The Hebron Farmers' Market brings together local farmers, bakers, fiber producers, and artisans, such as soap and jewelry crafters, and showcases them to the community and visitors.

Holiday items for gift giving will be available. (Consider creating a basket full of Connecticut-made treats plus some specialty goods - bring to your Thanksgiving gathering, or stock up for gift-giving.)

Shop for ideas, market vendors are helpful with ways to make the hospitality and gifting season ahead memorable. Vendors include: Unwind: Body & Mind, chair massage and salt rock lamps; Country Family Soaps: handmade soap, lip balms, lotions; Candles by Laura: handpoured holiday scented candles; Killiam and Bassette: cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, turnips; Chaplin Farms; Olivia's Garden: maple syrup and candy, apples, fresh garland; Botticello Farms: table decorations, balsam and pointsettias; Great Harvest Breads: ready-to-go gift baskets, cookies; Ladies of Levita Road: fresh cheese, milk, yogurt and eggs; Tuckerwood Farms: handpainted fibers, yarn, baskets; Sisters in Spirituality: handmade jewelry, journals, gifts; Hurst Farm: jams, honey, maple dips.

For more information, visit www.hebronfarmersmarket.com.