Nominees sought for local Farm Service Agency board

Nominations are being sought for candidates to serve on the Farm Service Agency county committee for Winneshiek County. 

FSA County Executive Julie Vulk say this year's election involves two districts--Area #1, which covers Fremont, Burr Oak, Bluffton, Hesper, Highland, Pleasant and Canoe townships, and Area #2, which covers Orleans, Lincoln, Madison, Sumner, Calmar, Jackson and Washington townships.

The Area #1 seat will be for a 2 year term and the Area # 2 seat for a 3 year term.

All nominees must sign papers, including a statement that the nominee agrees to serve if elected.  The forms are available at USDA Service Centers and online at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/elections. All nomination forms for the 2011 election must be postmarked or received in the local USDA Service Center by close of business on August 1st.

County committees play a vital role in the administration of federal farm programs and the positive effect they have on rural communities. FSA county committees make decisions on commodity price support loans, conservation programs, disaster programs, employing county executive directors and other significant agricultural issues.

To hold office as a county committee member, 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 in which the person is a candidate, among other requirements.

Individuals may nominate themselves or others as candidates. Additionally, organizations representing minorities and women may nominate candidates.

Voting will take place in the fall.  Ballots will be mailed to eligible voters by November 4th and must be returned to the local USDA Service Center by December 5th.  Newly elected county committee members take office January 1st, 2012.