FSA election season begins with solicitation of candidates
By WILLIAM HARMON
Executive director, Marion Co. FSA
The Marion County Farm Service Agency (FSA) currently is searching for individuals representative of the county farmers and ranchers to serve as nominees for the upcoming 2006 county FSA committee election.
The Marion County FSA administers federal agricultural production, farm loan, conservation, and emergency programs annually. A locally elected committee of farmers and landowners that serve staggered three-year terms oversees operations of the county office.
It is critical to FSA's future that we ensure that all farmers have an equal opportunity to be a candidate to serve as a member on county committees. Producer and farm groups along with leaders of minority, female and under represented groups shall be contacted to make certain that they fully understand the role of the county committee.
Individuals of legal voting age with an interest in farmland are eligible to vote in the election and are eligible to serve on the committee if nominated and elected. A voter listing from which producers can review and use to select possible nominees is available in the local county FSA office. Nomination forms are also available in the county office as well.
The local elected committees are primarily responsible for making national farm programs fit the needs and situations faced by local farmers. They bring expertise and knowledge to USDA's daily delivery of programs and services.
Farmers are reminded for a nomination petition to be valid, it must be limited to one nominee and must include the written certification signature of that nominee verifying that they are willing to serve, if elected. The deadline to return valid nomination petitions to local county FSA offices is Aug. 1. Minority and female producers are encouraged to take part in this important nomination process. For more information, contact county FSA offices at your USDA Service Centers.
