LEWISTON – Laura Rand, county executive director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency in Androscoggin County reminds farmers, ranchers and other agricultural producers that they have until Aug. 1 to nominate candidates to serve on agency county committees.

“County committees play an important role in the delivery of FSA farm programs at the grassroots level,” said Rand. “To ensure that FSA programs serve the needs of all agricultural producers, all producers and other stakeholders across the nation should nominate candidates to serve on FSA county committees in their communities.”

Committees apply their judgment and knowledge to make decisions on county commodity price-support loan eligibility, establishment of allotments and yields, conservation programs, disaster programs, employment and other farm program-related issues.

Individuals may nominate themselves or others as a candidate. In addition, community-based and other organizations in the county or area where the election is being held may nominate eligible candidates before the close of the nomination period, especially groups representing social disadvantaged farmers or ranchers.

The nomination form (FSA-669A) is available at USDA Service Centers and online at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/pas/publications/elections.

Ballots will be mailed to eligible voters by Nov. 4. The deadline to return ballots is Dec. 5. Elected committee members and alternates will take office on Jan. 1, 2006.