Farm Service Agency ballots are due back Dec. 3

BANGOR — Maine Farm Service Agency State Executive Director Dave Lavway recently announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture began mailing ballots Monday, Nov. 5, to eligible agricultural producers for the 2018 FSA county committee elections.
Producers must return ballots to their local FSA offices by Dec. 3, to ensure their vote is counted.

“County committee members represent the farmers, ranchers and foresters in our Maine communities,” said Lavway. “Producers elected to these committees have always played a vital role in local agricultural decisions. It is a valued partnership that helps us better understand the needs of the farmers and ranchers we serve.”
Nearly 7,700 FSA county committee members serve FSA offices nationwide. Lavway said producers must participate or cooperate in an FSA program to be eligible to vote in the county committee election. Farmers and ranchers who supervise and conduct the farming operations of an entire farm, but are not of legal voting age, may also be eligible to vote.
Farmers and ranchers should begin receiving their ballots the week of Nov. 5. Ballots include the names of candidates running for the local committee election. Voters who did not receive a ballot can pick one up at their local FSA office. Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked no later than Dec. 3. Newly elected committee members will take office Jan. 1.
For more information, visit the FSA website at www.fsa.usda.gov/elections or contact a local USDA Service Center or FSA office. Visit www.farmers.gov to find an FSA office near you.iv>