FSA committee nominations begin June 15

The nomination period for Farm Service Agency county committees is important to all farmers and ranchers, whether beginning or long-established, with large or small operations. FSA county committees are a link between the agricultural community and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They help deliver FSA farm programs at the local level.

County committees provide local input on commodity price support loans and payments; conservation programs; incentive, indemnity and disaster payments for some commodities; emergency programs; and payment eligibility.

The nomination period begins June 15. Request nomination forms from the local USDA Service Center or obtain online at www.fsa.usda.gov/elections.

Aug. 2 is the last day to file nomination forms at the local USDA Service Center.

Ballots will be mailed Nov. 5 with a return deadline of Dec. 6.

Newly elected committee members take office Jan. 1, 2011.

Agricultural producers who participate or cooperate in an FSA program may be nominated for candidacy for the county committee. Individuals may nominate themselves or others as a candidate. Additionally, organizations representing minority and women farmers or ranchers may nominate candidates. Nomination forms are filed for the county committee of the office that administers a producer’s farm records.

To read the guidelines in their entirety, visit the County Committee Elections page at www.fsa.usda.gov/elections.