SOUTH PARIS — USDA Farm Service Agency County Executive Director, Marcia Hall, has announced that the 2011 FSA county committee elections are underway.

The election of agricultural producers to Farm Service Agency county committees is important to all farmers and ranchers, whether beginning or long-established, large or small operation. It is crucial that every eligible producer participate in these elections because FSA county committees are a link between the agricultural community and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

County Committee members are a critical component of FSA operations. The intent is to have the COC reflect the makeup of the producers and to represent all constituents. This means wherever possible, minorities, women or lower income producers need to be on the committee to speak for these underrepresented groups.

County committees provide local input on: commodity price support loans and payments; conservation programs; incentive, indemnity and disaster payments for some commodities; emergency programs; and payment eligibility.

The nomination period begins June 15. The last day to file nomination forms  at the local USDA Service Center is Aug. 1. Ballots will be mailed to eligible voters on Nov. 4 and they must be returned to the USDA Service Center by Dec. 5. Newly elected county committee members will take office on Jan. 2.

To hold office as a county committee member, a person must meet the basic eligibility criteria. Nomination forms are available at USDA Service Centers and online at www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/fsa0669a_commiteeelectform.pdf.

LAA 2 will be up for election this year. This area covers Batchelders Grant Township, Stoneham, Stow, Lovell, Norway, Waterford, Sweden, Fryeburg, Denmark, Brownfield, Porter and Hiram.

For more information on COC elections, contact a nearby FSA county office or visit www.fsa.usda.gov/dcp.