Producers: Monday deadline for FSA nominations

MCCOOK -- The Farm Service Agency in would like to remind farmers, ranchers and other agricultural producers that they have only a few days left to meet the Monday, Aug. 3, 2009, deadline to nominate eligible candidates to serve on local FSA county committees.

County committees play a vital role in the administration of federal farm programs and the positive effect they have on rural communities. All producers are encouraged to make a difference by nominating eligible candidates to serve on these important committees.

FSA county committees make decisions on commodity price support loans, conservation programs, disaster programs, employing county executive directors and other significant agricultural issues.

To hold office as a county committee member, a person must meet the basic eligibility requirements. For example, the person must participate or cooperate in a program administered by FSA, be eligible to vote in a county committee election and reside in the local administrative area in which the person is a candidate. A complete list of eligibility requirements is posted online at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=...

Individuals may nominate themselves or others as candidates. Additionally, organizations representing minorities and women may nominate candidates.

All nominees must sign nomination form FSA-669A, which includes a statement that the nominee agrees to serve if elected. Form FSA-669A is available at USDA Service Centers and online at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_Fil.... All nomination forms for the 2008 election must be postmarked or received in the local USDA Service Center by close of business on Aug.3, 2009.

Voting for the County Committee Election takes place in the fall. Ballots will be mailed to eligible voters by Nov. 6. The final day to return voted ballots to the local USDA Service Center is Dec. 7th. Newly elected county committee members take office Jan. 1, 2010.

For more information about FSA county committees, visit a local USDA Service Center or online at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=...