FARMINGTON – Gary J. Raymond, county executive director for USDA’s Farm Service in Franklin County, announced that farmers and ranchers can nominate candidates to serve on local Farm Service Agency county committees now.

“We have seen the number of minority and women producers being nominated increase significantly in recent years, and FSA would like to see that trend continue,” said Raymond. “I encourage all producers, especially minorities and women, to participate in the country committee election process by nominating candidates by the Aug. 1 dateline.”

To be eligible to serve on an FSA county committee, a person must participate or cooperate in a program administered by FSA, be eligible to vote in a county committee election and reside in the local administrative area in which the person is a candidate. Additionally, a person must not have been removed or disqualified from the office of county committee member, alternate or employee; removed from any public office or have been convicted of fraud, larceny, embezzlement or any other felony; or dishonorably discharged from any branch of the armed services.

Producers may nominate themselves or others. Organizations representing minority and women may also nominate candidates.

FSA county committee members make decisions on disaster and conservation payments, emergency programs, commodity price support loans and payments, and other important agricultural issues. Members serve three-year terms. Newly elected committee members and alternates take office Jan. 1.

For more information on the FSA election process and eligibility requirements, go to http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=newsroom&subject=landing&topic=ccc.