Urban County Committees
With a farm number you are eligible to vote to elect FSA County Committee members
Historically, these committees have been used as the vehicle for Farmer input on FSA programs since the 1930. They represent farmers and set priorities at the local levels food access, community engagement, support of local activities to promote and encourage community compost, and food waste reduction. They also make determinations, listen to appeals and make decisions, and conduct outreach to urban and suburban farms and farmers for both FSA and NRCS. Urban and Suburban county committees promote urban, indoor, and emerging agricultural production practices as of 2020.
COC’s Help ensure fair and equitable administration of FSA programs:
Elected COC members amplify community voice and deliver benefits so FSA programs such as:
Self-Service Applications
- → Producer appeals
- → Hiring County Executive Directors
Educational Materials
- → Provide local experience and insight to FSA staff
- → Assist in the delivery and administration of farm programs
Engagement Opportunities
- → Assist in outreach and informing producers about programs
- → Represent local farmers and ranchers in decisions
Business Tools
- → Conservation programs
- → Commodity support & disaster payments
- → Incentive indemnity & disaster assistance
INFORMATION TO KNOW
Information to Know
Membership Basics
- → You must be nominated or nominate yourself (organizations can nominate people)
- → Once you obtain a farm number you’ll be eligible to vote
- → 3 to 11 members meet at least* quarterly for a term of up to 3 years
- → Members can run for reelection for up to 3 or 9 years.
Find where to participate
- → Do I have to visit the coc that is closest or can I go to where the relationships fit me best like with the service center?
- → LAA HERE Service center here
- → Stay up to date on FSA decisions around Technical assistance
- → County Committee Elections | Farm Service Agency
Election Timeline
Election Step-by-Step
Follow these steps to participate in FSA County Committee elections.
Anytime
Contact your local FSA anytime to learn how to participate
June
Register to be an eligible voter
Early August
Last day to file nomination forms at the local USDA Service Center
Early November
Eligible voters receive ballots in the mail
Early December
Voters return voted ballots to the USDA Service Center
January 1
Newly elected county committee (COC) members take office
RESOURCES
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