FSA County Committee nominations begin

DES MOINES ? Iowa Farm Service Agency State Executive Director John R. Whitaker announced the nomination period for this year?s County Committee election begins today.

The nomination period continues through Aug. 1, with elections taking place this fall.

?FSA sees the role of our county committees as one that is vital,? said Whitaker. ?County Committees operate under official regulations for federal farm programs. Committee members apply their judgment, experience and knowledge when making local decisions.?

Individuals who serve on local FSA County Committee make decisions regarding producer?s appeals; commodity price support loans and payments; conservation programs; employing county executive directors; incentive, indemnity and disaster payments for commodities; as well as for other farm disaster assistance. Members serve three-year terms. Nationally, there are more than 7,800 farmers and ranchers serving on FSA County Committees. Committees have three to five members who are elected by eligible local producers.

?The committee election process is designed to give all producers a better chance of having their opinions and ideas expressed in the community, throughout FSA and the nation. Therefore, it is vital that we have a diverse committee, not only in the physical make up of the committee, but making sure we have representative from all forms of agriculture,? added Whitaker.

USDA is committed to increasing the participation of all farmers on the FSA County Committees, with an emphasis on women and minority farmers. Beginning farmers also are highly encouraged to become involved.

To be eligible to serve on an FSA county committee, a person must:

? Be of legal voting age and eligible to vote in a county committee election;

? Live in the LAA holding an election; and

? Participate or cooperate in a program administered by FSA.

Individuals may nominate themselves or others as candidates. Additionally, organizations representing minorities and women may nominate candidates. To become a nominee, all eligible individuals must sign form FSA-669, which includes a statement that the nominee agrees to serve if elected. Form FSA-669A and other valuable information about the FSA county committee elections is available at the local FSA office and online at www.fsa.usda.gov/elections. All nomination forms for the 2012 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by close of business Aug. 1.

Following the nomination process, FSA will mail ballots to producers beginning Nov. 5. The completed ballots are due back to the local county office via mail or in person by Dec. 3.

Newly elected committee members and alternates take office Jan. 1.

To learn more about the County Committee elections and other programs administered by FSA, contact the local county office or visit www.fsa.usda.gov.