FARMINGTON – Nominations for eligible candidates to serve on local Farm Service Agency County Committees will be accepted from now until Aug. 1, according to Gary J. Raymond, executive director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency in Franklin County.

The local administrative area covers the towns of Kingfield, New Vineyard, Phillips, Rangeley, Strong and all unorganized townships in the northern portion of Franklin County. Residents there will vote for a county committee person to represent them for the next three years.

“I encourage local producers to become a member of their local FSA County Committee and make a difference,” said Raymond. “FSA County Committees have an important role in the decision-making process on important agricultural issues in their community.”

All nomination forms must be received in the Franklin County FSA office or postmarked by Aug. 1. Voting will take place between Nov. 4 and Dec. 5.

Producers who are eligible to vote and participate in FSA programs and are of legal voting age may be nominated. Individuals may nominate themselves or others as candidates.

Current Franklin County Committee members are Chairman Rupert Pratt of Strong, Vice Chairman L. Herbert York of Farmington and member Russell Black of Wilton. Teresa Hardy of Farmington is a minority adviser. First alternates to the committee are Bruce Tracy of Farmington, Randall Hall of East Dixfield and Andrew Chase of Freeman. Second alternates are Teresa Hardy and Ellen James of Phillips.

More information on the elections, including a nomination form, is available at the local FSA office or at USDA Service Centers. Information may also be obtained online at www.fsa.usda.gov/pas/publications/elections/Default.asp.