FARMINGTON – The Franklin County Farm Service Agency is seeking eligible farmers and landowners to serve as candidates for the upcoming County Committee elections. The office is accepting nomination forms through Sept. 3.

The county is divided into voting areas and each year one area nominates and elects a representative to serve a three-year term. This year’s voting district includes the townships of Carthage, Chesterville, Jay, Perkins, Temple, Washington, Weld and Wilton.

To hold office, a person must have an interest in a farming operation and be at least 18 years old. Individuals may nominate themselves or others as a candidate. The person must also reside in the voting community.

Farmers elected to the committee help decide the kind of programs their counties will offer and make sure agency agricultural programs serve the needs of local producers. Committees hear producer appeals, make decisions on commodity price support payments, establish yields for certain programs, authorize conservation payments and help ensure the office administers programs fairly.

Individuals who are not of legal voting age, but who supervise and conduct the farming operations on an entire farm may also be nominated.

After a slate has been assembled, ballots will be mailed to all eligible individuals and entities in the voting townships in early November.

Nomination forms can be obtained from the agency office.