WASHINGTON – The nomination period for local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees begins Sunday.

"County committees are a vital link between the farm community and the U.S. Department of
Agriculture," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "I hope that every eligible farmer and
rancher will participate in this year’s county committee elections. We’ve seen an increase in the number
of nominations of women and minority candidates, and I hope that trend continues."
To be eligible to serve on an FSA county committee, a 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 where the person is nominated.
Farmers and ranchers may nominate themselves or others. Organizations representing minorities and women
also may nominate candidates. To become a candidate, an eligible individual must sign the nomination
form, FSA-669A. The form and other information about the elections are available at
www.fsa.usda.gov/elections. Nominations must be postmarked or received in the local USDA Service Center
by close of business on Aug. 1. Elections will take place this fall.
Members serve three-year terms. Committees consist of three to 11 members that are elected by eligible
producers.
FSA will mail ballots to eligible voters and are due back to the local county office either via mail or
in person by Dec. 1. Newly elected committee members and alternates take office on Jan. 1, 2015.