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

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

07/19/2011 04:42 PM EDT

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

SAINT PAUL, MINN., July 19, 2011 – USDA Farm Service Agency's Minnesota Executive Director, Linda Hennen, is advising all eligible Native American tribal members of their right to participate in the ongoing FSA County Committee nomination and election process.

"FSA, through the county offices, is working to ensure that every eligible producer participates in these elections because FSA county committees are a vital link between the agricultural community and USDA," said Hennen. "There's a growing awareness about the importance of having a voice on how decisions and policies are made on FSA programs and other agricultural issues that affect them," continued Hennen. "Full participation by tribal members in the FSA County Committee process is a significant step in weighing in on the issues that are important to them."

Those tribal members who are eligible to participate take part in FSA programs, hold agricultural land or meet other eligibility requirements. Individuals may nominate themselves or others as a candidate. Additionally, organizations representing minority and women farmers or ranchers may nominate candidates. Hennen noted that tribal members will have an opportunity to have their opinions and ideas heard on agricultural-related issues that affect them.

Dates to remember:
August 1, 2011: Last day to file nomination forms at the local FSA Office. November 4, 2011: Ballots mailed to eligible voters. December 5, 2011: Last day to return voted ballots to the local FSA Office. January 2, 2012: Elected committee members and alternates take office.

In addition to elected members, FSA county committees may also include advisors. Advisors are appointed to county committees in counties that have significant numbers of minority or women producers and lack such members on FSA county committees. Advisors play an important role by providing diverse viewpoints and by representing the interests of minorities and women in decisions made by county committees.

For more information contact your local USDA Service Center or visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov/elections.

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