USDA Encourages Eligible Hispanic-Americans to Nominate Candidates and Vote in the Farm Service Agency County Committee Elections

You are subscribed to FSA News Releases for USDA Farm Service Agency.

This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USFSA-a2631

USDA Encourages Eligible Hispanic-Americans to Nominate Candidates and Vote in the Farm Service Agency County Committee Elections

06/30/2011 02:01 PM EDT

USDA Encourages Eligible Hispanic-Americans to Nominate Candidates and Vote in the Farm Service Agency County Committee Elections

WASHINGTON, June 30, 2011 – Farm Service Agency (FSA) acting Administrator Bruce Nelson reminds all eligible Hispanic-Americans of their right to participate in the ongoing FSA County Committee nomination and election process

“There’s a growing awareness among Hispanic agricultural producers about the importance of having a voice on how decisions and policies are made on FSA programs, such as disaster and conservation programs, emergency programs, commodity price support loan programs and other agricultural issues that affect them,” said Nelson. “FSA county committees are a vital link between the agricultural community and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It is essential that Hispanics participate in the FSA County Committee process so that they are able to weigh in on the issues that are important to them.”

Hispanic agricultural producers who participate or cooperate in an FSA program may be nominated for candidacy for the County Committee. Individuals may nominate themselves or others as a candidate. Additionally, organizations representing minority and women farmers or ranchers may nominate candidates. Nelson noted that by nominating eligible candidates by the August 1 deadline, all producers will have an opportunity to have their opinions and ideas heard on agricultural-related issues that affect them.

To become a candidate, an eligible individual must sign the nomination form, FSA-669A. The form and other information about FSA county committee elections are available online at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/elections. Nomination forms for the 2011 election must be postmarked or received in the local USDA Service Center by close of business on Aug. 1, 2011. Elections will take place this fall.

Members serve three-year terms. Nationwide, there are about 7,800 farmers and ranchers serving on FSA county committees. Committees consist of three to 11 members that are elected by eligible producers.

To be eligible to serve on an FSA county committee, 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. FSA will mail ballots to eligible voters beginning Nov. 4. The voted ballots are due back to the local county office either via mail or in person by Dec. 5. Newly elected committee members and alternates take office on Jan. 2, 2012.

NOTE: The nomination form and other FSA County Committee materials are available in Spanish at http://go.usa.gov/ZTe

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Stop 9410, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish Federal-relay). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

---

Questions? Contact Us

STAY CONNECTED:

SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:
Manage Preferences  |  Delete Profile  |  Help

This email was sent to ahmedalaa214.ahmed@blogger.com using GovDelivery, on behalf of: USDA Farm Service Agency · 1400 Independence Ave., S.W. · Washington, DC 20250 · 800-439-1420