The Farm Service Agency is seeking growers interested in serving on Farm Service Agency county committees.  Past committee members have expressed appreciation for having learned more about the federal farm programs and satisfaction of representing farmers and ranchers locally.  It is especially important to have representation from demographic groups that may feel hesitant about working with government agencies or feel they have been underserved.  Having representation on the county committees creates a vital communication link.

FSA is seeking nominations in all counties.  However, because the 3 to 5 committee members rotate onto the committee, the elections cover a portion of each county.  These are referred to local administrative areas (LAAs).  The nominee must be from the LAA where the position is open.  Please encourage any potential candidates to not be discouraged if they are not in the open LAA but to ask to be notified when their LAA is open if it is not currently open.
Committee members are paid for the time spent on committee activities.
Nominations are due August 1, 2012 in the county offices.
Elections will begin in November and I'll send another reminder to encourage farmers and ranchers to vote.
More information about the elections and nomination forms may be obtained from the local FSA office or the Farm Service Agency elections webpage.
NOTE: USDA posted an interim rule in the Federal Register specifying that the Secretary may appoint
a voting member to the county committee when required to ensure fair representation of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.   Comments are being accepted on the rule until Aug. 6, 2012. The rule and instructions for comment can be found at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=USDA-2012-0004-0001.