Logan County Committee Chairperson Warren Stuart has announced the Farm Service Agency (FSA) will soon begin accepting nomination forms for eligible candidates to serve on the local FSA County Committees. The nomination period is June 15-Aug. 1.

"I encourage local producers to become a member of the local FSA County Committee and make a difference" said Stuart. "FSA County Committees have an important role in the decision making process for commodity price support loans and payments, conservation and disaster programs and other important agricultural issues in their farming community."

Almost anyone participating or cooperating in a local FSA program- and of legal voting age- may be a candidate. Individuals may nominate themselves or others.

All nomination forms must be received in the County FSA Office or postmarked by Aug. 1. Voting takes place between Nov. 4 and Dec. 5.

To hold office as an FSA County Committee member, a person must meet the basic eligibility requirements described below:

*Participate or cooperate in a program administered by FSA

*Be eligible to vote in a county committee election

*Reside in the LAA in which the person is a candidate. (In some cases, this requirement may be waived. Check with the local county office. )

A person must not have been:

*Removed or disqualified from the office of FSA 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; or

*Dishonorably discharged from any branch of the armed services.

People uncertain about their eligibility to vote in the FSA County Committee election should contact the local FSA office. Affirmation of eligibility to vote must be determined in order for a vote to count in an election.

More information on the COC elections, including the nomination form, is also available at local FSA County Offices or USDA Service Centers.