PARIS — The USDA Local Working Group will meet from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Dec. 12, at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Office, 9 Olson Road. Refreshments will be served.

Interested farmers, landowners and people from all areas of conservation are encouraged to attend. The meeting is an opportunity to contribute advice about program services for the current and future years.

Local Working Groups provide recommendations to the District Conservationist of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service on local natural resource priorities and criteria for conservation activities and programs.

Topics of discussion will include:

* Summary of the 2013 fiscal year conservation programs.

* Financial assistance programs for 2014. Any agricultural producer in Oxford County can still sign up for some of the conservation programs.

* Priority resource concerns for the county.

* Eligible practices and payment rates available for financial assistance in Oxford County

* Allocation of money for financial contracts, according to type of application.

For more information, call Jean E. Federico at the Oxford County Soil and Water Conservation District, 743-5789, ext. 111. Those with disabilities who require accommodations to attend or participate in the meeting should contact OCSWCD by Friday, Dec. 6.