U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting Administrator Steve Peterson reminded eligible farmers, ranchers and other agricultural producers that they must return county committee election ballots to their local FSA office by Dec. 4, 2017, to ensure that their votes are counted. Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked no later than Dec. 4, 2017. Producers who have not received their ballot should pick one up at their local FSA office.
“The last day to submit your ballot is just one week away,” said Peterson. “Approximately 1.5 million producers are eligible to vote in this year’s election. This is your opportunity to have a say in how federal programs are delivered in your county. I urge all eligible farmers and ranchers, especially minorities and women, to get involved and make a real difference in their communities by voting in this year’s elections.”
Eligible voters who have not received a ballot can obtain one from their local FSA office. To be an eligible voter, farmers and ranchers must participate or cooperate in an FSA program. Farmers and ranchers who supervise and conduct the farming operations of an entire farm, but are not of legal voting age, also may be eligible to vote.
Nearly 7,700 FSA county committee members serve FSA offices nationwide. Each committee has three to 11 elected members who serve three-year terms of office. One-third of county committee seats are up for election each year. County committee members apply their knowledge and judgment to help FSA make important decisions on its commodity support programs, conservation programs, indemnity and disaster programs, and emergency programs and eligibility.
For more information, visit the FSA website at www.fsa.usda.gov/elections. You may also contact your local USDA service center or FSA office. Visit http://offices.usda.gov to find an FSA office near you.