2012 FSA County Committee elections are underway

Joel J. Ducote, County Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) in West Baton Rouge and Iberville Parish reminds farmers and landowners that the 2012 FSA County Committee elections are underway with the opening of the nomination period.  During the period June 15 – August 1, 2012, farmers and landowners may nominate a fellow farmer, or themselves, as a candidate on the 2012 election ballot.

“The FSA County Committee system is unique among government agencies because it allows producers to make important decisions concerning the local administration of Federal farm program,” Ducote said.  “I urge eligible farmers, especially minorities and women to get involved and make a real difference in their communities by participating in this year’s election.”

FSA Committee members apply their knowledge and judgment to make decisions on commodity price support loans and payments, conservation programs, incentive indemnity and disaster payments, emergency programs, and payment eligibility.  FSA Committees operate within official regulations designed to carry out Federal laws.

The elections in 2012 are being conducted in Area#4 which is the Plaquemine and East Iberville parish area in and in Area #5 which is the White Castle area. 

Eligible FSA election voters must participate or cooperate in FSA programs.  Agricultural producers in Areas #4 and Area#5 may now nominate their choice of candidates to the ballot during the period June 15 – August 1, 2012.  Nomination forms are available at the FSA office in Addis, La. or are available online.  A list of eligible FSA election voters is available to the public.

Close to 7900 FSA County Committee members meet at more than 2200 FSA offices nationwide.  Each Committee consists of three to five members who serve three-year terms.  Approximately one-third of the Committee seats are up for election annually.  For more information about FSA County Committees and FSA programs visit:  http://www.fsa.usda.gov