FSA County Committee nomination period begins soon WASHINGTON, D.C. — The nomination period for local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees begins June 15, the USDA announced May 25. “County committees allow farmers and ranchers to make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally to best serve their needs,” said Acting FSA Administrator Chris Beyerhelm. “We strongly encourage all eligible producers to visit their local FSA office today to find out how to get involved in their county’s election. There’s an increasing need for representation from underserved producers, which includes beginning, women and other minority farmers and ranchers.”
County committees are made up of farmers and ranchers elected by other producers in their communities to guide the delivery of farm programs at the local level. Committee members play a critical role in the day-to-day operations of FSA. Committees consist of three to 11 members and meet once a month or as needed to make important decisions on disaster and conservation programs, emergency programs, commodity price support loan programs, county office employment and other agricultural issues. Members serve three-year terms. Nationwide there are more than 7,700 farmers and ranchers serving on FSA county committees.
Farmers and ranchers may nominate themselves or others. Organizations, including those representing beginning, women and minority producers, may also nominate candidates to better serve their communities. To be eligible to serve on an FSA county committee, a person must participate or cooperate in an agencyadministered program and reside in the local administrative area where the election is being held.
FSA will mail election ballots to eligible voters beginning Nov. 6. Ballots will be due back to the local county office either via mail or in person by Dec. 4. Newly elected committee members and alternates will take office on Jan. 1, 2018. To become a candidate, an eligible individual must sign an FSA-669A nomination form. The form and other information about FSA county committee elections are available at www.fsa.usda.gov/elections
Applications being accepted for Indiana ALP Class 18
DANVILLE, Ind. — AgrIInstitute is seeking individuals who will step forward to lead agriculture and rural communities for today and tomorrow. It is seeking individuals who want to advance their skills and expertise in leadership and who desire to be more knowledgeable about those areas of public policy that impact agriculture and the process for impacting decision making at local, state and federal levels. Developing the capacity to effectively lead and serve the broad spectrum of agriculture’s industry sectors at the many different levels is pivotal to being a difference maker. The Indiana Agricultural Leadership Program (ALP) is one important way to equip yourself to lead and serve agriculture.
The ALP features 12 study seminars that will broaden knowledge, understanding and skills in important areas of agriculture, public policy, civic engagement and leadership. Ten of the study seminars are three days in length and held in locations around Indiana. In addition, the participants study for one week in Washington, D.C., and for two weeks Internationally.
AgrIInstitute selects up to 30 individuals to participate in the two-year program. Each class is selected to represent the diversity of agriculture and rural community sectors and a broad base of backgrounds and experience. Applications and additional program information can be obtained by visiting www.agriinstitute.org or by contacting the AgrIInstitute office at 317-745-0947. |
