News & Updates
FSA County Committee Nominations Now Open!
The nomination period for FSA County Committees is now open! Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Committees consist of a small group of farmers who are each elected for three-year terms. Committees make decisions about the agency’s programs and conduct outreach to other farmers to improve participation and access to services.
We’re currently looking for candidates to join state and local county committees to ensure that the best interests of farmers are represented and protected.
We’re looking for farmers who may be interested in joining their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committee. To qualify, you must reside and farm in the county subdivision (called a Local Administrative Area) that is up for election and be up-to-date in your local FSA Service Center’s farmer contact list. Our staff will help prepare and educate candidates on the process and the roles that committee members play.
The FSA encourages farmers from historically underrepresented groups to participate, including beginning farmers, farmers of color, indigenous farmers, and women.
FSA County Committee Election Period
June 15, 2018 – The nomination period begins. Request nomination forms from the local county USDA/FSA Office or obtain online at: www.fsa.usda.gov/elections
Aug. 1, 2018 – Last day to file nomination forms at the local county USDA/FSA Office.
Nov. 5, 2018 – Ballots mailed to eligible voters.
Dec. 3, 2018 – Last day to return voted ballots to the local county USDA/FSA Office.
Jan. 1, 2019 – Newly elected county committee members take office.
Please contact us today if you or someone you know might be interested in participating or learning more.
FAQs
What do county committees do?
County committees inform decisions made by FSA offices across the country. Every FSA office is required to have a county committee, and they are made up for local farmers as elected by local farmers. While committees do not outrightly decided who does or does not receive a loan, they help determine who is eligible for loans, how to handle natural disasters, priority of conservation programs, and key administrative components to FSA programs.
Who is eligible to be nominated for county committees?
As long as you have a farm number and current address registered with FSA, you are eligible to be nominated.
How do I get nominated to be on the committee?
Farmers can nominate themselves or other farmers to be on the committee.
Where do I learn more?
Nomination forms are available from your local FSA office or can be downloaded here: fsa.usda.gov/elections
2017 Census of Agriculture
It’s an Ag Census year. Make sure your farm is counted!
Participation in the 2017 Ag Census is an important opportunity not only to make sure your farm counts, but to impact agricultural priorities and policies for your region and the nation.
Taken once every five years, the Ag Census is the only source of uniform, comprehensive, and impartial agriculture data for every county in the United States.
Organizations like ours rely on this information to advocate for farmers, and for the programs and policies that best serve agricultural communities.
Make sure you’re signed up to take the Ag Census and look for it in the mail in December 2017.
Contact Us
For more information or to join the Farmer Leadership Network, email Tahz Walker at [email protected]