SKOWHEGAN – Jennifer A. Zweig, executive director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Somerset County, has reminded agricultural producers in Somerset that they can nominate eligible candidates to serve on USDA Farm Service Agency county committees. Nominations can be filed until Aug. 1. Elections will be held in the fall.

Farmers who serve on county committees help make decisions necessary to administer federal farm programs offered in their communities. They help ensure that FSA programs serve the needs of local producers. County committees make decisions on agricultural issues such as commodity price support loans and payments, conservation programs, disaster payments and employing county executive directors.

Farmers and ranchers can obtain a list of eligibility requirements by visiting a local USDA service center or online at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/pas/publications/facts/html/cocelig06.htm.

Aug. 1 is the deadline to file nomination forms at the Somerset County USDA Service Center. USDA will mail ballots to eligible voters by Nov. 3. The last day to return voted ballots to the local USDA service center is Dec. 4. Newly elected county committee members will take office Jan. 1.