Hello again, friends!
You are probably looking forward to when the local and state elections are over and all the debates, advertisements and articles about the elections are over!
Well, there is still one more important election to be held and that is the FSA County Committee Election. FSA county committees play a vital and relevant role in delivering important farm programs. Your participation in the election process will result in a strong county committee system for all producers.
The election of agricultural producers to Farm Service Agency county committees is important to all farmers and ranchers, whether beginning or long-established with large or small operations.
It is crucial that every eligible producer participate in these elections because FSA county committees are a link between the agricultural community and the USDA. County committee members are a critical component of the operations of FSA. They help deliver FSA farm programs at the local level.
Farmers and ranchers who serve on county committees help with the decisions necessary to administer the programs in their counties. They work to ensure FSA agricultural programs serve the needs of local producers.
FSA county committees operate within official regulations designed to carry out federal laws. County committee members apply their judgment and knowledge to make local decisions.
Eligible
You are probably asking yourself, “I wonder if I can vote?” The answer is all agricultural producers of legal voting age may be eligible to vote if they participate or cooperate in any FSA program.
A person who is not of legal voting age but supervises and conducts the farming operations of an entire farm also may be eligible to vote. Members of American Indian tribes holding agricultural land are eligible to vote if voting requirements are met.
Ballots
The next question you may be wondering is, “How can I get involved and cast my ballot?” If you are located in an area that is holding an election, ballots were mailed to eligible voters beginning Nov. 7 and must be returned to the FSA county office or postmarked by Dec. 5.
If you feel you are an eligible voter and did not receive a ballot, please contact your local FSA county office before the final date to see if your area is holding an election and request a ballot.
Please don’t miss out on voting in your local FSA Committee Election. FSA is counting on you!
That’s all for now,
FSA Andy
