FSA nominations open for gorge

“County committees are unique to FSA and allow producers to have a voice on federal farm program implementation at the local level,” said MacIntyre.

To be eligible to serve on the FSA county committee, a person must participate or cooperate in an agency administered program, be eligible to vote in a county committee election and reside in the administrative area where they are nominated.

This year, nominations and elections will be held in areas two and five, which includes Central Wasco County and Upper Hood River Valley.

Producers may nominate themselves or others as candidates. Organizations representing minority and women farmers and ranchers may also nominate candidates. To become a nominee, eligible individuals must sign form FSA-669A.

The form and more information about county committee elections is available online at: www.fsa.usda.gov/elections.

Elected county committee members serve a three-year term and are responsible for making decisions on FSA disaster, conservation, commodity and price support programs, as well as other important federal farm program issues. County committees consist of three to 11 members.

“It is important that county committees are comprised of members who fairly represent the diverse demographics of production agriculture for their community,” said MacIntyre.

“All producers, including women, minority and beginning farmers and ranchers are encouraged to participate in the nomination and election process.”

FSA will mail election ballots to eligible voters beginning Nov. 9. Ballots are due back in the Wasco/Hood River County Office by mail or in person no later than Dec.7. All newly elected county committee members and alternates will take office Jan. 1, 2016.

“Nominating potential county committee members, voting for candidates and serving on the committees are truly services to your community and the agriculture industry,” said MacIntyre.

“County Committee members make important decisions on how federal farm programs are administered locally to best serve local needs and interests.”

For more information about county committees, people are invited to call the Wasco/Hood River County FSA office at 541-298-8559 ext. 2, or access www.fsa.usda.gov/elections.