2014 FSA County Committee Elections The election of agricultural producers to the Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees is important to all farmers and ranchers, whether beginning or long-established, large or small operation. It is crucial that every eligible producer participate in these elections because FSA county committees are a link between the agricultural community and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. County Committee (COC) members are a critical component of FSA operations. The intent is to have the COC reflect the makeup of the producers and represent all constituents. This means wherever possible, minorities, women or lower income producers need to be on the committee to speak for these underrepresented groups. The Local Administrative Area (LAA) 4 is up for election in 2014 which means only eligible voters in that area will be participating in the election. LAA 4 consists of eligible voters south of SR 52 and east of I-75 in Pasco County. County committees provide local input on: - Commodity price support loans and payments
- Conservation programs
- Incentive, indemnity and disaster payments for some commodities
- Emergency programs
- Payment eligibility.
FSA county committees operate within official regulations designed to carry out federal laws and members apply their judgment and knowledge to make local decisions. Election Period June 15, 2014 – The nomination period begins. Aug. 1, 2014 – This is the last day to file nomination forms (FSA-669A) at the local USDA Service Center. Nov. 3, 2014 – Ballots mailed to eligible voters. Dec. 1, 2014 – Last day to return completed ballots to the USDA Service Center. Jan. 1, 2015 – Newly elected county committee members take office. Who Can Hold Office To hold office as a county committee member, a person must meet the basic eligibility criteria: - Participate or cooperate in a program administered by FSA
- Be eligible to vote in a county committee election
- Reside in the local administrative area (LAA) in which the person is a candidate.
Not have been: - Removed or disqualified from the office of county committee member, alternate or employee
- Removed for cause from any public office or have been convicted of fraud, larceny, embezzlement or any other felony
- Dishonorably discharged from any branch of the armed services.
Nominations To become a nominee, eligible individuals must sign nomination form FSA-669A. The form includes a statement that the nominee agrees to serve if elected. This form is available at USDA Service Centers and online. Nomination forms for the 2014 election must be postmarked or received in the local USDA Service Center by close of business on Aug. 1, 2014. 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. Nomination forms are filed for the county committee of the office that administers a producer's farm records. Who Can Vote Agricultural producers of legal voting age may be eligible to vote if they participate or cooperate in any FSA program. A person who is not of legal voting age but supervises and conducts the farming operations of an entire farm also may be eligible to vote. More information about voting eligibility requirements can be found in the FSA fact sheet titled "FSA County Committee Election – Eligibility to Vote and Hold Office as a County Committee Member." Producers may contact their local USDA Service Center for more information. COC Election Nominations The election of agricultural producers to Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees is important to ALL farmers and ranchers. It is crucial that every eligible producer participate in these elections because FSA county committees are a link between the agricultural community and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). County committee members are a critical component of the operations of FSA. They help deliver FSA farm programs at the local level. Farmers and ranchers who serve on county committees help with the decisions necessary to administer the programs in their counties. They work to ensure FSA agricultural programs serve the needs of local producers. FSA county committees operate within official regulations designed to carry out federal laws. County committee members apply their judgment and knowledge to make local decisions. The COC nomination period runs from June 12, 2014 through August 1, 2014. The nomination form is available at USDA Service Centers and online. For more information contact your local FSA office. Questions?
Please contact Laura Langford, County Executive Director, at 352-588-5211, laura.langford@fl.usda.gov or for Farm Loans, please contact Erin Vermillion, Farm Loan Manager, at 352-742-7005, erin.vermillion@fl.usda.gov. | 
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