OXFORD – Gary Raymond, acting county executive director, reminded Oxford County agricultural producers that they can nominate eligible candidates to serve on the Oxford County Committee.

Nominations can be filed through Aug. 1. Elections will be held in the fall.

Farmers who serve on county committees help make decisions necessary to administer federal farm programs offered in their communities and help ensure that programs serve the needs of local producers. County committees make decisions on important 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 the Farm Service Agency may be nominated for candidacy for a committee. Producers must live in the local administrative area conducting an election. Farmers may 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/cocelig06.htm.

Individuals may nominate themselves or others as candidates. Organizations representing minorities and women may nominate candidates. To become a nominee, eligible individuals must sign nomination form FSA-669A. The form includes a statement that the nominee agrees to serve if elected.

Aug. 1 is the deadline to file nomination forms at the 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.