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NMI farmers, ranchers urged to take part in FSA County Committee polls
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Posted on Jun 20 2008
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency is calling on all CNMI farmers and ranchers to take part in the annual FSA County Committee election.
“Our main goal is to have as many eligible candidates nominated to serve on FSA county committees as possible. We want to encourage everyone to get involved,” said Guam FSA County executive director Thomas Camacho. “This year, we hope you’ll consider nominating a farmer or rancher you know will make a real difference in his or her community.”
Individuals may nominate themselves or others as candidate. Nominations and elections are open to all eligible candidates and voters without regard to race, color, religion, nation, age, sex, marital status, or disability. The nomination form is available at the USDA Service Center or online at wwww.fsa.usda.gov, click on News & Events then County Committee Elections.
Producers are encouraged to keep in mind the dates of upcoming county committee elections. Producers can request, fill out and submit nomination form from June 15 to Aug. 1. Ballots will be mailed to eligible voters by Nov. 3. The deadline to return ballots to the FSA is Dec. 1. Newly elected committee members and alternates will take office Jan. 1, 2009.
“Committees apply their judgment and knowledge to make decisions on establishment of allotments and yields, conservation programs, disaster programs, employment and other farm program-related issues,” Camacho said.
County committees are composed of three to five elected members from local administrative areas, each member serving a three-year term.
Saipan Municipal Council member Ramon B. Camacho currently chairs the CNMI chapter of the FSA.
