WASHINGTON — The nomination period for local Farm Service Agency county committees began June 15.

“County committees are a vital link between the farm community and the U.S. Department of Agriculture,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “I hope that every eligible farmer and rancher will participate in this year’s county committee elections. Through the county committees, farmers and ranchers have a voice; their opinions and ideas get to be heard on federal farm programs.”

Vilsack added, “We’ve seen an increase in the number of nominations of women and minority candidates, and I hope that trend continues.”

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 where the person is nominated.

Farmers and ranchers may nominate themselves or others. The nomination form, FSA-669A, and other information are available at www.fsa.usda.gov/elections. Forms must be postmarked or received in the local USDA Service Center by close of business on Aug. 1. Elections will take place this fall.