The U.S. Department of Agriculture reminds producers that the nomination period for local Farm Service Agency county committees began last Monday.  “Through the county committees, farmers and ranchers have a voice. Their opinions and ideas get to be heard on federal farm programs,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.  “It is important for county committees to reflect America’s diversity, so I encourage all eligible farmers and ranchers, including beginning farmers, to get involved in this year’s elections.”  To be eligible to serve on a FSA county committee, a person must participate or cooperate in an agency administered program, be eligible to vote in a county committee election and reside in the local administrative area where they are nominated.  Farmers and ranchers may nominate themselves or others.  To become a candidate, an eligible individual must sign an FSA-669A nomination form.  The form and other information about FSA county committee elections are available at www.fsa.usda.gov/elections.  Nomination forms for the 2015 election must be postmarked or received in the local USDA Service Center by close of business on August 3^rd.  FSA will mail election ballots to eligible voters beginning November 9^th.  Newly elected committee members and alternates will take office on January 1, 2016.  Committees consist of three to 11 members that are elected by eligible producers.