By Jamie Martin
Nominations are now open for farmers and ranchers to serve on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees. These committees play a key role in how farm programs are applied at the local level.
“Serving on an FSA county committee provides producers with a unique opportunity to have a say in local farm program decisions, ensuring FSA policies work, as intended, for producers at the county level,” said FSA Administrator Bill Beam.
To qualify for nomination, candidates must participate in or cooperate with USDA programs and reside in the Local Administrative Area (LAA) up for election. LAAs are defined voting regions and can include rural, urban, or multi-county areas.
Nomination forms (FSA-669A) must be submitted by August 1, 2025, either by mail or to a local USDA Service Center. Ballots will be sent out in November to eligible voters. Producers can nominate themselves or others, and organizations can also submit names.
Over 7,700 farmers and ranchers already serve on county committees nationwide. These panels influence important FSA decisions on disaster recovery, conservation, commodity programs, and even employment at local offices. Committee members serve three-year terms.
Urban and suburban areas also have FSA committees. These groups promote indoor farming and other modern practices while ensuring producers understand and access USDA resources.
Producers should use the LAA locator tool at fsa.usda.gov/elections to verify their eligibility and find out if their area is up for election. Getting involved ensures community voices shape the future of agriculture programs.
For more details, visit fsa.usda.gov or contact your local FSA office today.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National