FSA Stressing The Importance Of County Committees

The FSA is currently accepting nominations for county committee candidates.  Brian Dansel, Executive Director of the Washington FSA said the county committee allows farmers to communicate with the FSA and Washington D.C. to ensure their needs are being met and concerns are being addressed.  Dansel acknowledged finding time to donate for the county committee can be very tough, with so many pulled in a variety of directions.

But he said important that grower participate by voting in the county election.

“Or, try to get fresh blood involved because the other thing is we’re a little bit prohibited by the fact that we can only have the same person serve on those committees for such a…well it’s nine years, three consecutive terms, but then they’re done.  So we have to have new producers that are willing to step up.”

Dansel added those that serve on the county committee have a direct hand in implementing FSA policy.

“These are the folks that are going to be making determinations on whether or not you qualify for emergency programs, or payment eligibility, or some of our indemnity programs, and disaster payments for commodities, so this is very important, this is going to affect you one way or another.”

Nominations, including self-nominations, will be accepted until August 1^st.  From there ballots will be sent out to eligible voters November 5^th, with ballots due back December 3^rd.

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