OXFORD – Gary Raymond, acting county executive director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Oxford, reminds agricultural producers in Oxford County that they can nominate eligible candidates to serve on the Oxford County Committee. Elections are held in the fall.

“Participation from farmers and ranchers is essential to the election process to ensure that FSA county committees represent the interests of all producers in our area,” said Raymond. “I encourage agricultural producers throughout Oxford County to nominate eligible candidates of their choice, especially minorities and women, to serve on the local county committee.”

Farmers and ranchers who serve on county committees help make decisions necessary to administer federal farm programs offered in their communities. They help ensure that FSA programs serve the needs of local producers. County committees make decisions on agricultural issues such as commodity price support loans and payments, conservation programs, disaster payments and employing county executive directors.

Agricultural producers who participate or cooperate in programs administered by FSA may be nominated for candidacy for a committee. Additionally, producers must live in the local administrative area conducting an election. Farmers and ranchers can obtain a list of eligibility requirements by visiting a local USDA service center or online at: http//www.fsa.usda.gov/pas/publications/facts/html/cocclig06.htm.

Individuals may nominate themselves or others as candidates. Aug. 1 is the deadline to file nomination forms at the local Oxford County USDA Service Center. USDA will mail ballots to eligible voters by Nov. 3. The last day to return voted ballots to the local USDA service center is Dec. 4. Newly elected county committee members take office Jan. 1, 2007.

For more information, visit a USDA service center or online at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/pas/publications/elections/Default.asp.