Now’s the time to nominate candidates for USDA Farm Service Agency county committees. FSA will be accepting nominations through August 1. Bruce Nelson, FSA Administrator, explains the purpose behind the committees.

NELSON: We have county committees around the country that are agricultural producers who are involved with the administration of the FSA programs on a local level, as well as the oversight of the operations of the agency, and they’re the folks at the local level that hear producer appeals when individual producers have a disagreement with the agency over a decision. It’s real important for us to have farmers and ranchers on these committees because their insight about local production of commodities and livestock is invaluable to us.

Farmers and ranchers can nominate one of their peers, or if so desired, themselves.

NELSON: It only takes one name on the petition, so you can actually nominate yourself. Or, if you’ve got a friend or a neighbor that you think would be a good candidate for the committee - just your signature alone, provided that they agree to be a candidate, is enough to get them on the ballot.

Producers can submit nominations by going on to the FSA website at www.fsa.usda.gov/elections where they’ll find all the information they need, including the nominating form.
Members for county committees are drawn from local administrative areas. Those unsure of which administrative area they’re located in, or needing more information about the elections can contact their local FSA office or visit the FSA website.

I’m Lacy Gray and that’s Washington Ag Today on the Northwest Ag Information Network.