Teresa Lasseter, administrator of USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA), today reminded farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural producers that they have until August 1, 2008, to nominate eligible candidates to serve on local FSA county committees.

"County committees are important because they help deliver federal programs, which is an important aspect of our service to agriculture," Lasseter said. "I encourage all producers to get involved by nominating eligible candidates to serve on county committees."

"I especially urge producers to nominate beginning farmers and ranchers, as well as minorities and women. Helping beginning farmers and ranchers is USDA priority under the new farm bill. Having these producers in the county committees will help us build a strong future for our next generation of agricultural businesses and communities."

FSA county committees help local farmers through their decisions on commodity price support loans, conservation programs and disaster programs, and by working closely with county executive directors.

To hold office as a county committee member, a person must participate or cooperate in a program administered by FSA, be eligible to vote in a county committee election, and reside in the local administrative area in which the person is a candidate. A complete list of eligibility requirements and additional information are posted on-line at http://www.fsa.usda.gov; click on the "FSA Counts on You" Spotlight.

Individuals may nominate themselves or others as candidates. FSA encourages beginning farmers and ranchers, as well as minorities and women, to file a nomination form on their own behalf.

All nominees must sign nomination form FSA-669A, which includes a statement that the nominee agrees to serve if elected. Form FSA-669A is available at USDA Service Centers and on-line at the web site listed above. All nomination forms for the 2008 election must be postmarked or received in the local USDA Service Center by close of business on August 1, 2008.

The county committee nomination period began June 15. Voting takes place in the fall. Ballots will be mailed to eligible voters by November 3. The final day to return voted ballots to the local USDA Service Center is December 1. Newly elected county committee members take office January 1, 2009.