This week, more than 1.5 million farmers and ranchers across the U.S. will begin receiving their ballots to elect the 2017 Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Committee members.
County committee members are tasked with their knowledge and judgment to help ensure the success of FSA commodity support programs, conservation programs, indemnity and disaster programs and emergency programs and eligibility. They are a critical component of the day-to-day operations of FSA.
“Producers elected to FSA county committees play a vital role in local agricultural decisions,” FSA Administrator Val Dolcini said. “Their contributions are essential to the daily operation of nearly 2,200 offices across the country. It is a valued partnership that helps us better understand the needs of the farmers and ranchers we serve.”
To be eligible to vote in the county committee election, farmers and ranchers must participate or cooperate in a FSA program. Farmers and ranchers who supervise and conduct the farming operations of an entire farm, but are not of legal voting age, also may be eligible to vote.
Nearly 7,700 FSA County Committee members serve FSA offices nationwide. Each committee has three to 11 elected members who serve three-year terms of office. One-third of county committee seats are up for election each year.
Ballots include the names of candidates running for the local committee election. FSA has modified the ballot, making it more easily identifiable and less likely to be overlooked. Voters who do not receive ballots in the coming week are encouraged to pick one up at their local FSA offices. Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked no later than Dec. 5, 2016.
Visit the FSA website for more information or contact your local USDA Service Center or FSA office. Visit http://offices.usda.gov/ to find an FSA office near you.